Did you read that story about the undead body found in a secluded area? Of course not. That’s silly.
Just as silly is “dead body.”
Yes, it’s morbid to discuss, but if a body is found, isn't it understood that the body is not living? When you find a living body, you simply have found a “person” or a “man” or a “woman.” They could be unconscious, but they are still alive.
Consider these recent examples from the news:
"Salon customer finds dead body in tanning bed: report"
Here’s a better headline: “Woman’s body discovered in tanning bed after 2-hour session.”
Few readers will assume the body in question was found “alive.”
“Buffalo police investigating after dead body found floating in Niagara River near Unity Island”
As opposed to what, a “live body”? That would be a “swimmer.” Your gut reaction might be, “That headline looks fine to me.” You’re not completely wrong, but we can offer more: “Buffalo police investigating after woman’s body found floating in Niagara River.”
“Dead body found at Cullman golf course”
The worst part about this headline? It really buries the lead. The body was that of a man whose identity was known — and he was found in a water hazard. Another news outlet got it right: “Man found dead in golf course water hazard at Cullman country club.”
That’s a headline.
I warned you this would get morbid, but I take great pleasure in dissecting the English language.
Editing is our specialty. See more at MHarris.com.