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Q Has anyone else noticed the horrible habit of describing anyone who has died as having ‘passed?’ Why is this now the fashion? Name and address supplied A The last time I was in the States I saw, on sale, a book called 100 Ways to Live to 100. As I am myself a recently-turned-80-year-old beset with the usual – and unusual – ailments, I can think of nothing more horrifying. But in the States they don’t seem to be able to countenance anything but living for ever. I’m afraid the word ‘passing’ is an Americanism that has polluted our shores, too. Here in the UK, people pass you in the street; they pass exams; they make passes at you in lifts; they pass muster; or they may pass you over if you apply for a job. In my book, passing has nothing to do with dying. I slept...
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