euphemism

eu·phe·mism  (yf-mzm)

n.

The act or an example of substituting a mild, indirect, or vague term for one considered harsh, blunt, or offensive: "Euphemisms such as 'slumber room' . . . abound in the funeral business" Jessica Mitford.

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[Greek euphmismos, from euphmizein, to use auspicious words, from euphmi, use of auspicious words : eu-, eu- + phm, speech; see bh-² in Indo-European roots.]

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euphe·mist n.

euphe·mistic (-mstk) adj.

euphe·misti·cal·ly adv.

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euphemism

Noun

an inoffensive word or phrase substituted for one considered offensive or upsetting, such as departed for dead [Greek eu- well + phēmē speech]

euphemistic adj
euphemistically adv

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euphemism

1. the deliberate or polite use of a pleasant or neutral word or expression to avoid the emotional implications of a plain term, as passed over for died.
2. an instance of such use. Cf. dysphemism, genteelism. — euphemist, n. — euphemistic, euphemistical, euphemious, adj.

See also: Language

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

euphemism - an inoffensive or indirect expression that is substituted for one that is considered offensive or too harsh neutralisation, neutralization - (euphemism) the removal of a threat by killing or destroying it (especially in a covert operation or military operation) locution, saying, expression - a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations; "pardon the expression" exit, expiration, going, passing, departure, release, loss - euphemistic expressions for death; "thousands mourned his passing" collateral damage - (euphemism) inadvertent casualties and destruction inflicted on civilians in the course of military operations sanitation department - the department of local government responsible for collecting and disposing of garbage bowel movement, bm, movement - a euphemism for defecation; "he had a bowel movement" making water, passing water, wetting, leak - a euphemism for urination; "he had to take a leak" dysphemism - an offensive or disparaging expression that is substituted for an inoffensive one; "his favorite dysphemism was to ask for axle grease when he wanted butter"

Translations

euphemism [ˈjuːfəmɪzm] n → eufemismo

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euphemism [ˈjuːfəmɪzəm] n → euphémisme m

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euphemism [ˈjuːfəmɪzəm] n → Euphemismus m

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euphemism [ˈjuːfəmɪzəm] n → eufemismo