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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


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Word History and Origins

Origin of genteelism1

First recorded in 1925–30; genteel + -ism

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Example Sentences

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

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genteelgentian