In "Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers," Mary Roach explores the language and euphemisms used in mortuary science. She prefers the term "decedent," which suggests the person is entangled in legal matters rather than being deceased. This reflects the industry's sensitivity and care in discussing death-related topics, as terms like "corpse" or "cadaver" are avoided in favor of more palatable language like "remains" or "Mr. Blank."

Roach highlights the industry's unique terminology, indicating the importance of maintaining a respectful narrative around death. For example, instead of simply saying "keep," the preferred phrase is "maintain preservation." She also provides vivid descriptions for post-mortem changes, such as referring to the brain's decomposition as "frothy purge," showcasing the mix of science and humanity in how we deal with the deceased.