Definition of Euphemism. a word or expression used to talk about something unpleasant, blunt or offensive without mentioning the thing itself. Examples of Euphemism in a sentence. 1. When I was a kid, my mother described sexual intercourse using a euphemism so I would not be shocked by her words.
What is the purpose of using euphemistic statements?
Commonly, euphemisms are used to avoid directly addressing subjects that might be deemed negative or embarrassing, e.g. death, sex, excretory bodily functions. They may be created for innocent, well-intentioned purposes or nefariously and cynically, intentionally to deceive and confuse.
What does euphemism mean?
Full Definition of euphemism
: the substitution of an agreeable or inoffensive expression for one that may offend or suggest something unpleasant also : the expression so substituted.
What is euphemism literature?
A euphemism (YOO-fuh-miz-uhm) is a form of figurative language. These idiomatic, indirect expressions replace harsh, impolite, taboo, or unpleasant terms with more delicate phrases. They can be used humorously or to downplay or mask a situation, causing some to find the device deceitful or counterproductive.
How do you identify euphemisms?
Euphemism is a figure of speech commonly used to replace a word or phrase that is related to a concept which might make others uncomfortable. Euphemism refers to figurative language designed to replace phrasing that would otherwise be considered harsh, impolite, or unpleasant.
Why do authors use euphemism?
A euphemism is a palatable way of saying something that may otherwise be upsetting or offensive. Good writers often employ euphemisms to address sensitive subject matter with the right degree of tact.
What is euphemism give two examples?
Examples of Common Euphemisms
He has passed away. (Euphemism for “He has died.”) She is between jobs. (“She is unemployed.”) She has resigned her commission.
How do you write a euphemism?
A few ways to create them include:
- Forming a new word from abbreviations, such as BO for body odor or WC for water closet, which is itself a euphemism for toilet.
- Foreign words that sound better, like faux pas instead of a stupid mistake.
- Abstractions, like before I go instead of before I die.
How is euphemism used?
A ‘euphemism’ is an indirect way of talking about something that might be rude, upsetting or taboo. We use euphemisms to make things sound better or, at least less offensive.
What are some examples of a euphemism?
Examples of Euphemisms
- passed away instead of died.
- passed over to the other side instead of died.
- late instead of deceased.
- dearly departed instead of deceased.
- resting in peace for deceased.
- no longer with us instead of deceased.
- departed instead of died.
- passed instead of died.
How do you use euphemism in a sentence?
Euphemistic in a Sentence ?
- After my father made his tactful statement about my friends, my mother corrected him by using a euphemistic replacement.
- The man used a euphemistic statement by saying he had to “urinate” instead of saying he had to “go pee.”
What is euphemism in sociolinguistics?
Abstract. Euphemism is a proper language style that people pursue in social communication in order to reach an ideal communication effect. Euphemism can avoid and soften taboos and sensitive or awkward topics. In every stage and each country, euphemisms are widely used.
What is age 50 called?
(Entry 1 of 2) : fifty years old : characteristic of a person of such an age.
What is the euphemism of fat?
Sometimes, people replace the word fat with words intended to be more polite or euphemistic, such as heavy, heavyset, plump, and chubby.
What are 5 examples of personification?
Common Personification Examples
- Lightning danced across the sky.
- The wind howled in the night.
- The car complained as the key was roughly turned in its ignition.
- Rita heard the last piece of pie calling her name.
- My alarm clock yells at me to get out of bed every morning.
Why is euphemism important?
The Importance of Using Euphemisms. Euphemisms allow us to soften otherwise difficult or unpleasant things when we speak, especially to children, or people who might be offended or disturbed by the situation we are talking about. … Political correctness and politeness are both filled with euphemistic phrases.
Are euphemisms good?
Euphemisms are considered ‘comfort words’ as they are used to avoid discomfort and reduce tension when speaking to people but it is not good to use euphemisms in academic writing. Many style guides advise writers to avoid euphemisms informal reports and academic writing.
Who created euphemism?
The English word “euphemism” is found for the first time in a book written in 1656 by Thomas Blount, Glossographia ; it comes from Greek euphèmismos, which is itself derived from the adjective euphèmos, “of good omen” (from eu, ‘good’, and phèmi, ‘I say’).
How do you teach euphemism?
Euphemism Lessons
- Avoid using words that have a negative stigma attached to them.
- Avoid offending others by speaking of taboo or sacred subjects directly.
- Over-inflate the importance of certain words.
- Obfuscate meaning from others.
What is the euphemism of poor?
1 needy, indigent, impoverished, destitute, penniless, poverty-stricken, necessitous, straitened.
Is a euphemism a metaphor?
Euphemisms – A harmless word or phrase that may be used as a suggestive one. … Click here for a list of euphemisms. Metaphors – An implied comparison of two unlike things. Example: Frozen with fear.
What is an example of a Dysphemism?
Curses, name-calling and any sort of derogatory comment directed towards others in order to insult or to wound them are all examples of dysphemism. Exclamatory swear words that release frustration or anger are dysphemisms.
How do euphemisms affect communication?
So the essence of euphemism lies in the use of inoffensive words or phrases instead of offensive or harsh ones. Euphemism has the function of politeness and beautification, which is helpful to develop benign communication. Accordingly, it’s widely used in our daily communication to express something unpleasant.