Learning a new language - Euphemisms

I was enjoying a lovely nurse chat with a friend recently, and we started reminiscing about clients and the joyful comments they come out with – which brought us to the wonder of client euphemisms.

For example, my friend had recently received a telephone call, during which the client had requested help as her dog was bleeding from its “wigwam” – cue my friend having to clarify that a wigwam was, in fact, a vulva! This vital information meant my friend could successfully triage the dog as a female that wasn’t neutered and was possibly in season or had other more serious issues. This patient turned out not to have any wigwam issues but understanding what your client is saying is VERY important. They are the first voice for their pet and we must meet them at their choice of communication to establish trust.

This took me back to my time helping students, where we used to ensure vet students knew as many of the euphemisms for vulva as possible – it made consulting much easier!

So far, through friends and #planetrvn, we have:

• Daisy

• Petal

• Flower

• Noo noo

• And, of course, wigwam!

Do you have any favourite client euphemisms? Feel free to post them below, or on Twitter using the the hashtag #planetrvn

Since this was written I feel a few more euphemisms have arisen (sorry)… for vulva and penis/prepuce.

·      Down below

·      Bits

·      Danglies

·      Ladies parts

·      Front bottom

·      Fig roll

#PlanetRVN is a popular # in veterinary nursing. Started by Jane RVN it has gained a momentum across the vet world.