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euphemism

[ˈjuːfəmɪzəm]

euphemism Definition

a mild or indirect word or expression used in place of one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing.

Using euphemism: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "euphemism" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    'Downsizing' is a euphemism for job cuts.

  • Example

    He passed away is a euphemism for he died.

  • Example

    Correctional facility is a euphemism for prison.

  • Example

    Sanitation engineer is a euphemism for garbage collector.

euphemism Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for euphemism

Antonyms for euphemism

Phrases with euphemism

  • the process by which a word or phrase that was once used as a euphemism for something unpleasant becomes so commonly used that it now carries the same negative connotations as the original term

    Example

    The term 'special needs' has been on the euphemism treadmill, with each new term eventually becoming stigmatized.

  • language that deliberately obscures, disguises, distorts, or reverses the meaning of words

    Example

    Politicians are often accused of using doublespeak to avoid answering difficult questions.

  • words or phrases that are intentionally ambiguous or misleading, often used to avoid making a direct statement or commitment

    Example

    The company's statement was full of weasel words, making it unclear whether they were taking responsibility for the product defect.

Origins of euphemism

from Greek 'eu' meaning 'good' and 'pheme' meaning 'speaking'

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Summary: euphemism in Brief

The term 'euphemism' [ˈjuːfəmɪzəm] refers to a mild or indirect word or expression used instead of a harsh or blunt one when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing. Examples include 'passed away' instead of 'died' and 'correctional facility' instead of 'prison.' The euphemism treadmill describes how euphemisms become stigmatized over time, while doublespeak and weasel words refer to language that obscures or distorts meaning.