euphemism

American  

[yoo-fuh-miz-uhm] / ˈyu fəˌmɪz əm /

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.”

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euphemism British  

/ 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

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euphemism Cultural  

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.”

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of euphemism

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

Explanation

Pardon me, but when a polite term is substituted for a blunt, offensive one, you should call it a euphemism. Euphemism is from Greek euphemismos, meaning "good speech," and it's a way that we paper over uncomfortable things with more pleasant-sounding words. These days we tend to use euphemisms when talking about anything having to do with elimination of bodily waste: toilet, bathroom, and water closet were all originally euphemisms. The military is also notorious for using euphemisms, like saying "neutralizing the target" instead of "killing someone."

Example Sentences

Like others interviewed, Gudiño declined to offer any political views, especially “after what happened” — the common euphemism for the U.S. attack.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026

However in China the accusation of wrongdoing is usually a euphemism for corruption.

From BBC • Jan. 24, 2026

State media did not offer specifics, though it did say the ruling party had revealed numerous recent "deviations" in discipline -- a euphemism for corruption.

From Barron's • Jan. 20, 2026

On Russia’s VK platform, there are dozens of groups specifically for women seeking potential husbands serving in Ukraine—with names such as “Dates with Soldiers” and “Dates with Shoulder Marks,” a euphemism for someone in uniform.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 5, 2025

It is too solid and unequivocal a term to be used as a euphemism and this seems to be what we are attempting.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas