There’s a term for euphemisms applied specifically in substitution for words that would otherwise be considered blasphemous, like "gosh darn", or "Jiminy Cricket". Anyone know it?
There is such a term in Scandinavian languages like Swedish and Norwegian, viz, «noaord», which derives from «ord» («word») and the Polynesian «noa», which refers to the category of things which can be used without risk (i e, the opposite of «taboo»). Thus the most common term for wolf in these languages is «varg», which is said to be a noaord for the magically potent «ulv». I’m unfamiliar with any corresponding term for this type of euphemism in English, save «euphemism» itself….
One expression in English that might be more appropriately descriptive than ‘euphemism’ is watered down. To me this connotes a certain intent—to keep the basic message the same, rather than changing the meaning, which euphemisms sometimes do.
The use or an instance of equivocal language: ambiguity, equivocation, equivoque, hedge, prevarication, shuffle, tergiversation, weasel word. Informal : waffle.
The use or an instance of equivocal language: ambiguity, equivocation, equivoque, hedge, prevarication, shuffle, tergiversation, weasel word. Informal : waffle.
With a similar meaning but slightly different connotation, "Jesuitical".
Welcome to our forum, dragonfly, and what an excellent word (the word, rather than the process or result of emasculation it describes, which I personally abhor) ! Why don’t you propose it as WotD ?...
