genteelism

[ jen-tee-liz-uhm ]

noun

1. a word or phrase used in place of another, supposedly less genteel term:

   “Limb” is a genteelism for “leg.”

genteelism

/ dʒɛnˈtiːlɪzəm /

noun

1. a word or phrase used in place of a less genteel one

Word History and Origins

Origin of genteelism¹

First recorded in 1925–30; genteel + -ism

Example Sentences

He will eventually shed this genteelism, while still struggling with his duel nature.

From The Daily Beast