What is a euphemism? Meaning and examples

Euphemism meaning

A euphemism, which comes from a Greek term for “words of good omen,” is commonly used to convey a message politely without causing discomfort. For instance, instead of saying that someone has been fired, one can say that they have been “let go” or “laid off.” Euphemisms are also used to make unpleasant or taboo subjects more palatable, such as discussing death, illness, sexuality, and bodily functions.

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How are euphemisms used in everyday life?

Certain words carry more positive or negative connotations in comparison to their synonyms. Euphemistic language, which aims to create positive connotations, can be found in many areas of life, such as advertising, politics, and education. Their purposes may vary from lessening the impact of an action to creating a more positive connection. For instance, instead of saying that a car is “used,” advertisers may say that it is “pre-owned,” which eliminates any negative connotations that have developed with the phrase “used car.”

Euphemisms are also used to cut across language or cultural barriers. The word “restroom” instead of “toilet” reaches a wider audience who might be taught a more formal vocabulary, and it seems more polite both by definition and connotation.

In education, teachers may use euphemistic language to avoid offending students or parents, such as saying that a student has “room for improvement” instead of “doesn’t try enough.” Euphemisms can be used to explain difficult concepts to children; one of the most common forms is using the phrase “crossing the rainbow bridge” to discuss the death of a pet.

Euphemisms most often appear in politics and media. Politicians may use euphemisms to downplay negative events or actions, such as referring to a battle as a “peacekeeping mission” or an invasion as a “special military operation.” Instead of sending people to “prison,” they may go to a “correctional facility.” And a riot may be known as a “disturbance” or an “unrest.” Oftentimes, these euphemisms are used to downplay the impact of an action or lessen the disturbing nature of a news story.

How do euphemisms differ from other language devices?

There are many ways to express what you’re saying. Whether you want to speak more formally or use slang, nearly every expression has an equivalent or can be turned into a device like one of the following:

• Innuendo: An innuendo implies something further beyond what is said or written. It can be used to criticize, create a joke, or suggest a rumor.
• Euphemism: This exchanges inappropriate or crass language for something more polite-sounding, which can be the opposite of an innuendo.
• Double entendre: This relies on wordplay to create a joke, often ribald. The most famous form of double entendre is “that’s what she said” following a seemingly innocuous sentence, which suggests that the reader reinterpret what was just heard into a sexual connotation.
• Dysphemism: This is the opposite of a euphemism. It refers to the replacement of a message in exchange for something more negative. For example, rather than saying “low-income neighborhood,” a dysphemism would be “slum.”

Examples of euphemistic phrases

Here are some common euphemism examples that are used in everyday communication:

• “Passed away” instead of “died”
• “Senior citizen” instead of “old”
• “Sanitation engineer” instead of “garbageman”
• “Made love” instead of “had sex”
• “Put down” instead of “euthanized”

Euphemisms can also be found in literature, movies, and television shows. For example, in the Harry Potter series, the main antagonist, Lord Voldemort, is referred to as “He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named,” while in the movie The Godfather, the term “sleeping with the fishes” is used to mean that someone will be killed.

Euphemisms are an effective way to tailor your language to your audience. If you’re writing a formal essay, giving a presentation to your bosses, or making a rhetorical argument, you’ll communicate differently than if you were talking to your friends or loved ones. By grasping the concept of euphemistic language and exploring more euphemism examples, you can hone your everyday writing with nuance and understanding.