Word
euphemism
Phoneticseu·phemism
US/ˈjufəˌmɪzəm/
UK/jˈuːfəmˌɪzəm/
Definition
n. a word or phrase you use instead of a blunter one to be polite or avoid embarrassment.
n. a linguistic device used to replace a term that is perceived as offensive, vulgar, or socially unacceptable with a more palatable alternative.
Examples
“The company used the euphemism 'downsizing' to describe job cuts.”
“In many cultures, people use the euphemism 'passed away' instead of saying someone died to be more polite.”
“The politician's speech was full of euphemisms, carefully chosen to avoid the harsh reality of the proposed tax increases while maintaining a positive public image.”
Examples
simple
“The company used the euphemism 'downsizing' to describe job cuts.”
contextual
“In many cultures, people use the euphemism 'passed away' instead of saying someone died to be more polite.”
complex
“The politician's speech was full of euphemisms, carefully chosen to avoid the harsh reality of the proposed tax increases while maintaining a positive public image.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'for' to indicate the original blunt term.
Teaching tip
Learners should note that euphemisms are common in professional, medical, and social contexts to maintain 'face' or decorum.
Real-World Examples
“Smut Slam’s Moore was raised as a Mormon, yet despite (or possibly because of) this, she has always rejected “comedy that tiptoes around things or has euphemisms.” “Jack’s mother is already receding into hush and euphemism: “They hardly ever talk about Mam directly.” Etymology
Recorded since 1656; from Ancient Greek εὐφημισμός (euphēmismós), from εὐφημίζω (euphēmízō), from εὔφημος (eúphēmos, “uttering sound of good omen, abstaining from inauspicious words”), from εὖ (eû, “well”) + φήμη (phḗmē, “a voice, a prophetic voice, rumor, talk”), from φημί (phēmí, “to speak, say”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
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englishreference.com/q/euphemism