Are people afraid to say "died" or "dead" when talking about the deceased?

[RickJay]

@FairyChatMom

Passed on, passed away, passed, gone to his reward - I hear these euphemisms all the time. But I hardly ever hear someone say “He died.” or “She’s dead.”

Are the “d” words considered to be too harsh or something? Do you feel uncomfortable using them? Does it unnerve you to hear them?

I actually make a point of only using “died” or “dead” as often as possible; euphemism should be avoided, I believe, in this circumstance.

No doubt, however, these sorts of euphemisms are usually a person’s attempt to be gentle and kind.

[Moriarty]

My mom died at the end of August. I’ve never thought to describe it otherwise. She died due to complications from metastatic breast cancer. Sadly, she’s dead.