Why do we refer to the dead as " The Late "?

Why do we refer to the dead as The Late John Wayne or The Late Princess Di? Why not The Dead John Wayne or The Dead Princess Di? They are dead not late.
If you have invited them somewhere then that is you fault for them not to show up because they are dead.
I could understand us calling George Jones, The Late George Jones because of his repputation of showing up late.

 

For the same reason you say 'grandpa' not 'that old fat ugly bastard'

 

I looked it up once and apparently it's shorthand for saying "He/She is dead as of late". Humans are uncomfortable with the fact that we don't understand death, so we make up stupid euphemisms as a way to distract ourselves from reality.

 

I thought someone would have a good answer. Thanks.

 

But you have to admit....those dead folks will always be eternally late to all events.....

 

^^^ This ^^^

 

Nah...my dad isn't late for much.

He makes it to my friends houses before I do.

I only know this because all of my friends have pets and the pets start barking at the door about 10 minutes before I arrive.

 

I think theres a subconscious fear that if we don't respect the dead, they'll become zombies and get revenge.

 

on the other hand, instead of saying "bob died" we could just say "bob lated."

and of course, zombies walk really slow so therefore are likely to be late to show up and claim their vengeance.

 

because they often were. But once we got them and their equipment on stage they were 'The Dead' and we were 'Grateful'.

 

if i didnt know better i would say my uncle was late for my birthday party.

 

Cause they left an will see u latter