Euphemism Definition
yo͝ofə-mĭzəm
euphemisms
noun
euphemisms
A mild, indirect, or vague term for one that is considered harsh, blunt, or offensive.
American Heritage
The use of a word or phrase that is less expressive or direct but considered less distasteful, less offensive, etc. than another.
Webster's New World
A word or phrase so substituted (Ex.: remains for corpse)
Webster's New World
The use of such terms.
American Heritage
Synonyms:
- nice-Nellyism
- genteelism
- affected refinement
- overdelicacy of speech
- word in good taste
- verbal extenuation
- metaphorical speech
- indirection
- prudishness
- substitution
- mock modesty
- code word
- polite term
- softened expression
- doublespeak
Antonyms:
Other Word Forms of Euphemism
Noun
Singular:
euphemismPlural:
euphemismsOrigin of Euphemism
Recorded since 1656; from Ancient Greek εὐφημισμός (euphēmismos), from εὐφημίζω (euphēmizō), from εὔφημος (euphēmos, “uttering sound of good omen, abstaining from inauspicious words”), from εὖ (eu, “well”) + φήμη (phēmē, “a voice, a prophetic voice, rumor, talk”), from φάναι (phanai, “to speak, say”).
From Wiktionary
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Greek euphēmismos from euphēmizein to use auspicious words from euphēmiā use of auspicious words eu- eu- phēmē speech bhā-2 in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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