University steering warns that euphemisms like ‘of a sure age’ or ‘golden years’ are now not acceptable to make use of when referring to older individuals

Saying someone is ‘of a certain age’ used to be a polite way to suggest they may not be in the first flush of youth.

But lightly humorous euphemisms like ‘over the hill’ or ‘golden years’ are no longer acceptable when referring to older people, according to a university guide.

Even describing someone as ’80 years young’ is against the rules of ‘inclusive’ writing guidance produced by the University of Bristol.

Following controversy over woke universities stifling free speech, with words like ‘mankind’ outlawed in case they cause offence, institutions have now set their sights on ageism.

Calling older people who use the internet ‘silver surfers’ is among the list of euphemisms and ‘patronising language’ which the University of Bristol says should not be used.

Frank Furedi, emeritus professor of sociology at the University of Kent, said: ‘As a 77-year-old man I find it incomprehensible that terms like ‘golden years’ or ‘over the hill’ apparently need to be excised from our vocabulary.

‘This exercise in linguistic engineering assumes that there is actually something disturbing about being old.

‘Euphemisms like ’80 years young’ are an essential part of easy-going, informal conversation between the generations, and the language police do not need to impose a strictly controlled template for addressing old people.

Writing guidance published by the University of Bristol (pictured) has banned the use of certain euphemisms to describe older people including ‘over the hill’ or ’80 years young’

‘When someone refers to me or my friends as being of a ‘certain age’, we react with a smile and start bantering about being old codgers.’

The university’s guidance on writing about age includes the edict to avoid using the word ‘millennials’ where possible.

The term, typically used to describe someone born between 1981 and 1996, is a generational label which apparently should not be used, as it can reinforce negative stereotypes, as can the labels ‘baby boomers’ and Generation X.

It follows NHS guidance on written information which advised staff not to use the terms middle-aged, OAP, pensioner or senior.

This led Silver Voices, which campaigns for older patients, to say the health service should focus more on medical treatment and less on terminology.

The University of Bristol also wants people to avoid the terms middle-aged, elderly, pensioner and OAP.

Its guidance states: ‘Avoid using euphemisms or patronising language to describe older people, such as ‘silver surfer’, ‘golden years’, ‘over the hill’, ’80 years young’ or ‘of a certain age’.’

Responding to the guidance, Joanna Marchong, investigations campaign manager at the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: ‘Students and taxpayers will be bemused by this pointless attempt to ban light-hearted comments used by millions of people every day.

It follows NHS guidance on written information which advised staff not to use the terms middle-aged, OAP, pensioner or senior (file photo)

‘Universities which were once bastions of free speech are now wasting time and money on woke language guides that brand common phrases as offensive, all the while complaining of a funding crisis.

‘Far from being ‘ageist’, these kinds of remarks are regularly used by people in harmless and friendly ways.

‘Bristol university should focus on educating their students, not the ridiculous regulation of everyday speech.’

The university declined to comment.