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
- substitute
- circumlocution
- understatement
- polite term
- indirect expression
Antonyms for euphemism
- dysphemism
- bluntness
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'
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.
