euphemism
n.n. a mild or pleasant word or phrase used to replace a harsher or more unpleasant one. You use this when you want to be polite or avoid causing someone to feel bad.
n. a mild or indirect word or phrase used to replace a harsher or more direct one. Often used to soften the impact of a statement or to avoid taboo subjects.
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.
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”).