euphemism
the substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for one thought to be offensive, harsh, or blunt.
the expression so substituted: “To pass away” is a euphemism for “to die.”
Origin of euphemism
1Other words from euphemism
- eu·phe·mist, noun
- eu·phe·mis·tic, eu·phe·mis·ti·cal, eu·phe·mi·ous [yoo-fee-mee-uhs], /yuˈfi mi əs/, adjective
- eu·phe·mis·ti·cal·ly, eu·phe·mi·ous·ly, adverb
- un·eu·phe·mis·tic, adjective
- un·eu·phe·mis·ti·cal, adjective
- un·eu·phe·mis·ti·cal·ly, adverb
Words that may be confused with euphemism
- euphemism , euphuism
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use euphemism in a sentence
And no, I did not make up these euphemisms, and yes, someone should study why there are so many fish-related ones.
C’mon, Ladies, Masturbation Isn’t Just for Bad Girls | Emily Shire | June 19, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTCome with me through 117 pages of euphemisms, bureaucracy, and mayhem.
Up to a Point: I Do My Own Taxes With No Help, Except From a Couple of Bloody Marys | P. J. O’Rourke | April 15, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThe PA also continues to articulate euphemisms for the destruction of Israel.
Hazineh Calls for the Murder of Jews and the Mainstream Press Stays Silent | Martin Krossel | August 15, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTThen people started using it as an insult, so we invented a raft of new euphemisms, like "special needs".
Illegal Immigrants Have Been Banned From the AP Stylebook | Megan McArdle | April 3, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTYou will often hear people who ought to know better dress up Ryan's savage economic priorities with euphemisms.
Paul Begala: With Ryan, Romney Has the Plutocrat Ticket | Paul Begala | August 11, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
This is pretty strong; and "sophistry" and "time-serving" are only euphemisms for lying in preaching and practice.
Flowers of Freethought | George W. FooteReference has been made to the euphemisms in use among all peoples to avoid pronouncing the name of the devil.
British Goblins | Wirt SikesA bull or boar is not to be mentioned as such in mixed company, but male-brute and male-hog are used as euphemisms.
Our Southern Highlanders | Horace KephartO no, Adam; we'd look out all the most graceful euphemisms in the newspapers, and we wouldn't hurt the feelings of a spider.
The March Family Trilogy, Complete | William Dean HowellsHence we find such expressions as 'to go to lodge with Othin' or 'to go to Valhalla' used as euphemisms for 'to be killed.'
The Heroic Age | H. Munro Chadwick
British Dictionary definitions for euphemism
/ (ˈjuːfɪˌmɪzəm) /
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
the use of such inoffensive words or phrases
Origin of euphemism
1Derived forms of euphemism
- euphemistic, adjective
- euphemistically, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Cultural definitions for euphemism
[ (yooh-fuh-miz-uhm) ]
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.”
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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