euphemism

[yoo-fuh-miz-uhm]

noun

1. the substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for one thought to be offensive, harsh, or blunt.

2. the expression so substituted.

   “To pass away” is a euphemism for “to die.”

euphemism

/ ˈjuːfɪˌmɪzəm /

noun

1. an inoffensive word or phrase substituted for one considered offensive or hurtful, esp one concerned with religion, sex, death, or excreta. Examples of euphemisms are sleep with for have sexual intercourse with; departed for dead; relieve oneself for urinate

2. the use of such inoffensive words or phrases

euphemism

1. An agreeable word or expression substituted for one that is potentially offensive, often having to do with bodily functions, sex, or death; for example, rest room for toilet, lady of the evening for prostitute. The Nazis used euphemism in referring to their plan to murder the world's Jews (see also Jews) as “the Final Solution.”

Other Word Forms

• euphemist noun
• euphemistic adjective
• euphemistical adjective
• euphemious adjective
• euphemistically adverb
• euphemiously adverb
• uneuphemistic adjective
• uneuphemistical adjective
• uneuphemistically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of euphemism¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Greek euphēmismós “use of words of good omen,” from eu- eu- + phḗm(ē) “speaking, fame” + -ismos -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of euphemism¹

C17: from Greek euphēmismos, from _eu- + phēmē speech

Example Sentences

Ms. Wilson also favors more “diversions” for misdemeanors, which criminals know is a euphemism for fewer real consequences.

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He was resented for puncturing euphemisms of communal self-regard.

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In one of the film’s most charged moments, Peck turns Orwell’s warning about political language into a montage of modern euphemisms: “peacekeeping operations,” “collateral damage,” “illegals” — and then, pointedly, “antisemitism 2024.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In recent days Wang Hung-wei, a prominent lawmaker from the opposition Kuomintang party, criticised Zero Day Attack as "selling dried mangoes", a Taiwanese euphemism that means stoking unnecessary fear about the destruction of one's country.

Read more on BBC

“So it feels like it’s a euphemism for enforcement actions.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times