AIBU to hate the use of "masking" or "to mask"?

[RaspberryCoulis]

You are not "masking". You are wearing a mask. Shops/Businesses are not telling people to "mask up" - they are asking you to wear a mask.

Leaving aside the pros and cons of wearing the things in the first place, AIBU to get riled by the language around this?

Masking = hiding something, usually medical related.
Mask Up = what you do with tape before painting.

I think what’s bothering you is the use of language which takes away personal agency. Wearing a mask is something an individual does actively. Masking is something you do to someone else or is done to you. Given the mandatory nature of the rules it’s unfortunately an entirely appropriate use of language .

YANBU. I also prefer to use the expression face covering, as a scarf, a snood, or a bandana, meets the requirements for covering nose and mouth.

Language is correct through usage, and I quite like "mask up" as it reminds me of Barney's "Suit up!" in How I Met Your Mother.

m.youtube.com/watch?v=KuJua9veLJY

@Bizawit

I think what’s bothering you is the use of language which takes away personal agency. Wearing a mask is something an individual does actively. Masking is something you do to someone else or is done to you. Given the mandatory nature of the rules it’s unfortunately an entirely appropriate use of language .

You're probably right. I do have a general problem with being told what to do.... it's why I'm self-employed!

YABU, it’s natural for language to change and evolve, especially in this situation where masks are being talked about more frequently and our relationship to them has changed significantly

Yeah, I always think of masking as a thing autistic girls are conditioned to do. Wearing a literal mask isn't the same.

I can see it being a bit annoying if it's being used a lot. I haven't heard it so much, but masking particularly seems like someone is trying to make a political point about it in the 'sheeple' sort of way in the few times I've seen it. I still associate masking with medical, masking pain or sensory issues or similar.

Mask up I don't mind, it sounds transformation sequence/superhero (but that might be from reading and watching way too much Sailor Moon and similar when younger with 'Make Up!').

I hate it too - mainly because it really reminds me of the handmaid's tale :)

Most of the covid language irritates me. Stay safe, stay home, covid dance etc etc