gen·teel·ism (j n-t l  z  m)n. A word or expression thought by its user to be more refined than another, as in expectorate for spit. |
genteelism
1. the deliberate use of a word or phrase as a substitute for one thought to be less proper, if not coarse, as male cow for buil or limb for leg.
2. an instance of such substitution.
See also: Language2. an instance of such substitution.
a polished style and graceful form in literary works.
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