euphemism Hear it!

euphemism Definition

eu·phe·mism (yo̵̅o̅′fə miz′əm)

noun

  1. the use of a word or phrase that is less expressive or direct but considered less distasteful, less offensive, etc. than another
  2. a word or phrase so substituted (Ex.: remains for corpse)

Etymology: Gr euphēmismos < euphēmizein, to use words of good omen < euphēmos, of good sound or omen < eu- (see eu-) + phēmē, speech< phanai, say: see ban

Related Forms:

euphemism Synonyms

euphemism

n.

substitution, doublespeak, softened expression, polite term, code word, mock modesty, prudishness, indirection, metaphorical speech, verbal extenuation, word in good taste, overdelicacy of speech, affected refinement, genteelism, nice-Nellyism.

euphemism Telecom Definition
An agreeable, inoffensive, less offensive, or politically correct (PC) synonym for a word or phrase that is harsh, unpleasant, or offensive. For example, eccentric is a euphemism for someone who is crazy and rich, as opposed to being just plain crazy like the rest of us poor folks. See also Bless his heart, leverage, and PC.
euphemism Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • become: The phrase has become a euphemism for the erosion of workers ' basic rights.
  • use: It uses the euphemism ' value for money ' to justify its poverty pay measures.
  • invent: It seems that all the ingenuity has gone into inventing new euphemisms rather than finessing them into poetry.
  • prefer: We are too polite, preferring euphemisms or tactful skepticism.
  • have: In Autumn it appears that we have a new euphemism, " feeling a bit tired " .

Preposition: for

  • death: Today the expression ' to the green fields beyond ' is a euphemism for death among RTR Old Comrades.
  • something: You can use corporal punishment to encourage them, but ' Smacking my creature ' sounds too much like a euphemism for something.
  • people: Is this a euphemism for people who do the work properly for which they are paid?
  • privatization: And I know that some of you believe that word is simply a euphemism for privatization.
  • abortion: Commentators say " one born out of due time " is a euphemism for an abortion.
  • ignorance: Chance is thus neatly collapsed into a euphemism for ignorance, or lack of sufficient observation.

Adjective modifier

  • many: An exclamation of surprise - one of the many euphemisms that avoid the use of the word God.
  • new: In Autumn it appears that we have a new euphemism, " feeling a bit tired " .
  • other: Don't they mean the ' front bottom ' or some other coy euphemism.
  • coy: Don't they mean the ' front bottom ' or some other coy euphemism.
  • ridiculous: Bonus points will be awarded for the most ridiculous euphemism - get ready, hip-hop fans.
  • common: Being treated ' like a girl ' is a common euphemism for not being taken seriously.