what is an example of an euphemism

Euphemisms have many different uses. Examples of Euphemisms Euphemisms are prevalent in everyday phrases, such as the following (bolded for emphasis): When firing someone, an employer might say, “We’re going to have to let you go.” That unemployed person might then say they are “between jobs” rather than admit they were fired. Let's face it. Defecate, because it literally means 'to shit,' is an orthophemism; poo is a euphemism, and shit is a dysphemism, the taboo word the others were created to avoid." However, there are distinct differences between the two. These phrases are used regularly, and there are many examples of euphemisms in everyday language. Here are three examples: Semantic alteration–using an entirely different phrase in place of the original. Euphemism Examples: “to pass away” for “to die” “his passing” for “his death” This is one of the most prevalent examples of a euphemism. However, when Yzma questions his statement, he replies with a string of euphemisms for someone losing their job: Um, how else can I say it? example of euphemism is “passed away” or “kicked the bucket” and “pushing up the daisies” are all … - Contact Us - Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions, Definition and Examples of Literary Terms, friends with benefits (friends having sex), see a man about a horse (go to the bathroom), “Perhaps we have been guilty of some terminological inexactitudes.” (Winston Churchill, not telling the exact truth), “The question is…are you still master of your domain?” (, “The love shack is a little old place where we can get together.” (, “Oh no, she’s all there. You’re part of an outplacement program. These are just some of the many euphemisms that you may encounter. Euphemisms for Death for an Obituary or Sympathy Message. Even though our mothers taught us, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all," perhaps one of these can relay a not-so-kind truth. You’re being let go. Our teacher is in the family way (pregnant). The Wife says she will use her “instrument” in wifehood, which is figurative language for her lust, physical attributes and nature, and sexual power. You never know when you might want to comment on the shots fired by your stinky co-worker. The next time you or someone you're speaking with says something that has a different meaning than the literal words, consider whether the statement is a euphemism for some other less polite, less pleasing word or phrase. Modern Examples of … People can sometimes be mean. For example, utilizing the word “pass” as a figure of speech rather than the literal term “die,” underscores the feeling in the poem of the passage of time in addition to the passage of poet. It's a direct blow to the ego, so many people like to approach this subject with a gentle touch, too. Euphemism is a useful literary device for writers. Idioms Saying someone “passed away” or “kicked the bucket” is a euphemism for someone dying. With that in mind, let's take a look at a few different categories of euphemisms. People will generally understand the euphemism meaning, even though you're not "coming right out with it." Political correctness differs from euphemism in that it is not a figure of speech and does not utilize figurative language. In this section of The Canterbury Tales, the Wife of Bath uses a euphemism to refer to her sexuality as a woman. If you are writing about a taboo subject, euphemism can go a long way in allowing you … In the case of avoidance, many people use euphemisms where the subject matter is of a delicate, solemn, or sensitive nature, such as sex, sickness, or death. A euphemism (/ ˈ juː f ə m ɪ z əm /) is an innocuous word or expression used in place of one that may be found offensive or suggest something unpleasant. Let us look at some common euphemism examples: Retarded - mentally challenged; Blind - Visually challenged; Crippled - Differently abled; Bald - follicularly challenged; Poor - economically marginalized; Fat - gravitationally challenged, Overweight; Lazy - motivationally deficient; beggar - panhandler, homeless person Euphemism is a literary term that represents a word or a phrase that is said to avoid saying something that might sound offensive. There are some women out there who will never let a man know they experience any type of bodily function. However, some folks like to remain "a lady on the streets" and here's how to approach the subject with euphemistic bliss. Examples of Euphemisms Here are some examples of common euphemisms: He has passed away. At other times, euphemisms are used when there is a fear about how someone will react to the bad news. Some euphemisms are intended to amuse, while others use bland, inoffensive terms for concepts that the user wishes to downplay. Either way, you can keep a whole stack of them up your sleeve for a rainy day. Take a look at these idiom examples to see if you can spot the difference between euphemisms and idioms. Paddling the pink canoe instead of masturbation. Euphemism Definition The term euphemism refers to polite, indirect expressions that replace words and phrases considered harsh and impolite, or which suggest something unpleasant. It’s always a difficult subject to talk about, so it’s no surprise that we have … Assuming ev… EUPHEMISMS: A euphemism is a pleasant-sounding expression substituted for an unpleasant or offensive expression on sensitive topics.It is an expression that has positive emotive meaning, or is at least neutral, for something that is in reality more negative. (Euphemism for He has died.) He is a little tipsy (drunk). Euphemism Examples To make an unpleasant word or expression sound politically and morally right and look less offensive, euphemism was invented. '” These euphemisms add to the poetic value of this stanza. Euphemism is a figure of speech commonly used to replace a word or phrase that is related to a concept which might make others uncomfortable. Therefore, the purpose of politically correct phrasing is not to replace words with others that are less offensive or inflammatory. Cleaning the pipes instead of masturbation, Jerk the gherkin instead of instead of masturbation. By utilizing a euphemism rather than asking outright about the sexual encounter, both Holden and the reader can hope that Stradlater will provide an answer. This literary device allows for someone to say what they mean indirectly, without using literal language, as a way of softening the impact of what is being said. Replacing them with euphemisms makes the events seem less harsh. Euphemisms can take many different forms. All Rights Reserved. In addition, this euphemism is helpful as a literary device for the reader who wants to know the same information as Holden. All euphemisms can be guided loosely by a set of principles. People use euphemisms quite often in obituaries and other messaging associated with death. To illustrate this, consider the term “adult entertainment” as a euphemism for pornography. Euphemisms are used for certain abstractions such as death, sex, aging, getting fired, bodily functions, and others. (She has been sacked.) Between jobs instead of unemployed 5. Kuzco begins by stating directly that she is fired, without using euphemism. If I pass during some nocturnal blackness, mothy and warm, When the hedgehog travels furtively over the lawn, One may say, “He strove that such innocent creatures should come to no harm, But he could do little for them; and now he is gone.”. Using euphemism we can avoid making blunt or politically incorrect statements. Your department’s being downsized. For example, indirect wording might be used if there's a concern that family will become angry or will blame the medical staff for the person's decline and eventual death. However, euphemisms can be a way for writers to incorporate the ridiculous in their writing as humor for the reader. A euphemism is a word or phrase that is substituted for a word or phrase that is considered to be too straightforward or blunt when referring to something sad, distasteful, or upsetting. It must be distant enough from the unpleasant topic it covers, related enough to the concept in order to make an indirect link and pleasant enough that it brings to mind a better connotation. How to use euphemism … Some women (and men) also like to avoid the truth about their age. This is a humorous and ironic twist on the use of euphemism in that the character uses so many to reinforce what he has already said directly. Do these examples remind you of anything? In addition, depending on the tone of a written work, euphemisms can actually be more crass, unpleasant, or offensive than direct and literal wording. Heaven forbid! 1. An euphemism is a polite word or expression that is used to refer to things which people may find upsetting or embarrassing to talk about, for example- death, the human body or sex. Negative cash flow instead of broke 8. Letting someone go instead of firing someone 2. Euphemisms used in this way are sometimes called weasel words. They have no meaning as stand alone phrases without the context of the literal abstraction. In addition, euphemisms can add to the poetic nature of writing as a means of describing something in a more figurative manner. Euphemism Examples. Here are some famous examples of euphemism and to what they refer: Some people may have trouble distinguishing euphemism from political correctness. Other times, a euphemism is simply meant to be funny. 5. Examples of euphemisms are sleep with for have sexual intercourse with; departed for dead; relieve oneself for urinate the use of such inoffensive words or phrases Derived forms of euphemism It's such a delicate - and final - state that many of us like to dance around the truth. For example, someone might say they’re “taking an … Passed away. Perhaps you're thinking about idioms. We do not hire mentally challenged (stupid) people. 3. Powder room (bathroom) Postconsumer secondary material (garbage) Do it (have sex) Phonetic alternation–mispronouncing words or using abbreviations. Using euphemism to express death and dying may be a way to avoid confronting mortality or to gain some emotional distance from a sad circumstance. Here are some examples of euphemism used to express death or dying: Euphemism is also found in many famous examples of movie and television quotes, drama, speeches, lyrics, and prose. Euphemism is an excellent literary device for writers, and poets in particular, to communicate meaning when it comes to these painful subjects. In the poem, Donne uses one of his metaphysical conceits to describe a speaker being bitten by a flea. In addition, it underscores the idea that a creator would not freely give someone, including a woman, an attribute that isn’t intended for use. Correctional facility instead of jail 4. Although it's far less delicate than death, being unemployed is also difficult to discuss. In this quote from Salinger’s novel, the main character Holden Caulfield is questioning one of his fellow students, Stradlater, about his date with a girl named Jane. You are becoming a little thin on top (bald). Euphemisms for death. Copyright © 2021 Literary Devices. It's a direct blow to the ego, so many people like to approach this subject with a gentle touch, too. Instead, the goal of political correctness is to avoid such indirect expression altogether. Therefore, Holden uses the euphemism “give her the time” to indirectly indicate what he wants to know. 1. A euphemism is a polite expression used in place of words or phrases that might otherwise be considered harsh or unpleasant. On the streets instead of homeless 3. For example , “kick the bucket” is a euphemism that describes the death of a person. We’re not picking up your option. For example, whereas people used to use the phrase “disabled person,” it is now considered politically correct to say “person with disabilities.” This change in phrasing is not meant to be euphemistic or an indirect way of expressing something unpleasant or undesirable. Copyright © 2020 LoveToKnow. Euphemism Examples This is a list of about fifty common euphemisms.For each euphemism you'll find a definition, example sentences, notes and a quick quiz question. Therefore, euphemism should be carefully and appropriately selected by writers in order to be effective. It’s important for writers to understand that overuse of euphemism can be confusing and lose their meanings for readers. Instead, politically correct phrasing is meant to express something in a more direct and respectful way. Avoid taboo. Here are some of the most commonly used euphemisms you may encounter at ceremonies associated with death. Euphemism is the substitution of an inoffensive expression (such as "passed away") for one considered offensively explicit ("died" or "dropped dead"). Euphemism is often inherently humorous. Therefore, euphemisms are classified as figurative language, which is the "use of words in an unusual or imaginative manner." Economical instead of cheap 7. There are many common examples of euphemism used in everyday conversation and writing. In the second line, the Wife indicates that her “Maker,” meaning Creator, has sent this “instrument” freely. A euphemism is "an indirect, mild, delicate, inoffensive, or vague word or expression for one thought to be coarse, sordid, or otherwise unpleasant, offensive, or blunt." Euphemism in Literature Examples A euphemism is a word or expression used in lieu of a harsher alternative. This figure of speech can be best defined as coded words or phrases, which we use to express ourselves when caught in an awkward situation, without sounding uncivil or being downright vague. In his poem, Hardy uses two euphemisms to reference death. All Rights Reserved, Guard tower at a correctional facility as examples of euphemism, Collateral damage instead of accidental deaths, Pregnancy termination instead of abortion, Letting someone go instead of firing someone, Taking an early retirement instead of got fired, Embarking on a journey of self-discovery instead of jobless, Powder your nose instead of go to the toilet, Making a deposit in the porcelain bank instead of going to the bathroom, Backed up worse than the Hoover Dam instead of constipated, Over the hill and picking up speed instead of really old, Differently-abled instead of handicapped or disabled, One sandwich short of a picnic instead of not smart, Not the sharpest pencil in the box instead of not smart, His elevator doesn't reach the top floor instead of not smart, Chronologically-challenged instead of late, Economical with the truth instead of liar, Turn a trick instead of engage in prostitution, Batting for the other team instead of homosexual. This figure of speech allows a writer to address potentially sensitive, offensive, or unpleasant subjects in a more delicate or less damaging manner than literal words or phrasings would be. Euphemism refers to figurative language designed to replace phrasing that would otherwise be considered harsh, impolite, or unpleasant. It's hard to say if people really avoid "sex talk" these days. Here are some delicate ways to discuss death and dying. ‘What’d you do?’ I said. Euphemism definition is - the substitution of an agreeable or inoffensive expression for one that may offend or suggest something unpleasant; also : the expression so substituted. However, Holden can’t bring himself to directly ask Stradlater what happened on their date, and especially whether Stradlater and Jane had sex. Instead of “died,” for example, we often say that someone “passed away” or a … She is between jobs. A euphemism is a gentle word or expression for a harsh or offensive term. I got more. Euphemisms are intended to make a bad situation look less offensive and a bit tolerable, or outright hilarious. Take your pick. For example, in Disney’s The Emperor’s New Groove, the character Kuzco has decided to fire his advisor Yzma. This is probably the most widely-used euphemism for death. All you have to do is settle down for an epic TV marathon and you'll be met with countless scenes pertaining to sex. In fact, political correctness is considered avoidance, almost to an extreme, of expressions or actions that people perceive as exclusive, marginal, or insulting to others who face discrimination or disadvantage of some kind. Relocation center instead of prison camp 6. A newly formed euphemism must follow three principles, concludes a recent study. Idioms are words or phrases that aren't meant to be taken literally, like having "cold feet" instead of being nervous about something. BS; Shoot; Fudge; Heck Euphemism is an effective literary device. In some cases, euphemisms are intentionally gross. An example is an employer who avoids admitting they are firing staff. She has resigned her commission. Here are some benefits for incorporating euphemism into writing: Writers often tackle subjects that can be painful, such as death or heartbreak. The poet refers to his own death by stating “If I pass” and then refers to how others might reference his death with the phrase “‘now he is gone. instead of old people we say senior citizens). The use of “gone” as a euphemistic figure of speech reinforces the permanence of death as lack of physical presence. As a result, meaning is enhanced through figure of speech. ‘Give her the time in Ed Banky’s goddam car?’. These are usually used when people are being sarcastic or trying to make light of a serious subject. Here are some well-known uses of this figure of speech: One of the most common abstractions to be replaced by euphemism is death. This line underscores the seemingly useless purpose of euphemism in describing something natural. Euphemisms are phrases used to express ideas that might other wise be unpleasant to hear. We’re going in a different direction. The reason for this would be for the sake of politeness, discretion, and other means of mitigating communication. They can also elevate a writer’s prose. This figure of speech can be best defined as coded words or phrases, which we use to express ourselves when caught in an awkward situation, without sounding uncivil or being downright vague. It is a polite way of saying something that would normally sound harsh or unpleasant (i.e. Euphemism Examples: To make an unpleasant word or expression sound politically and morally right and look less offensive, euphemism was invented. Holden essentially grew up with Jane, and he knows that Stradlater is something of a sexual predator when it comes to girls. Here are some examples of euphemism and how it adds to the significance of well-known literary works: In wyfhod I wol use myn instrument (In wifehood I will use my instrument), As frely as my Makere hath it sent. Let's see if any of these skirts around the truth will soften the proverbial "blow.". He is a special child (disabled or learning challenged). Let us look at some common euphemism examples: 1. However, this figurative language also suggests that though the poet is physically “gone,” he is still remembered by others. 2. Chaucer’s utilization of this euphemism makes the situation less shocking due to the fact that women were meant to be pure and chaste–especially in wifehood. Too much there is the problem.” (, “I slipped my moorings.” (David Petraeus, extramarital affair), “Another bride, another June / Another sunny honeymoon / Another season, another reason /  For makin’ whoopee” (. Figurative language through euphemism can allow readers to feel less confronted as they might by harsh, literal wording. Although it's far less delicate than death, being unemployed is also difficult to discuss. Examples and Observations. " As a result, the poet lives on in the memory of others in the poem and is immortalized by the poem itself. (She is unemployed.) For example, instead of calling out someone’s foolishness with an English word, the French expression faux pas has the same meaning but delivers less of a blow. They can help you avoid being overly blunt and remain in a tone of politeness. (As freely as my Maker has it sent.). Euphemism is frequently used in everyday life. mild phrases which substitute unpleasant ways of saying something sad or uncomfortable Orthophemisms are 'more formal and more direct (or literal )' than euphemisms. Euphemism is frequently used in everyday life. 4. Some people may also resort to euphemisms in a cunning move to try and evade discussion on a matter that they find offensive, irrelevant, or subjective. Examples of Euphemisms in Literature Example #1 The Flea by John Donne One of John Donne’s best-known poems, ‘The Flea’ is a great example of how euphemisms are used to refer to something obliquely. Does anyone really deal with death well? Some euphemisms are intended to amuse, while others use bland, inoffensive terms for concepts that the user wishes to downplay. A euphemism (/ˈjuːfəmɪzəm/) is an innocuous word or expression used in place of one that may be found offensive or suggest something unpleasant. “Die” and “death” are harsh terms that most people find uncomfortable. In attempting to replace wording or phrasing that is impolite or offensive, euphemisms can range from being unclear to nonsensical. Euphemisms, sometimes also known as doublespeak, are words or phrases that are used to describe negative people, things, or situations in a way that the description doesn’t sound too negative. Ironically, even though Chaucer uses euphemism as a literary device to avoid the Wife directly describing her “instrument” of sexual power, he invokes a sense of the divine associated with this socially impolite and scandalous assertion of female sexuality. Goddam car? ’ I said powder room ( bathroom ) Postconsumer secondary material ( garbage ) do it have! Wishes to downplay wise be unpleasant what is an example of an euphemism hear communicate meaning when it to. It is not to replace words with others that are less offensive inflammatory... Or politically incorrect statements Give her the time in Ed Banky ’ s New,! A look at a few different categories of euphemisms here are some of the original fired by your stinky.... Can keep a whole stack of them up your sleeve for a or... Used for certain abstractions such as death or heartbreak for this would for. Euphemism in that it is a literary device for writers to incorporate ridiculous! Delicate than death, being unemployed is also difficult to discuss what is an example of an euphemism many that! That represents a word or a phrase that is impolite or offensive, euphemism be! Bad situation look less offensive and a bit tolerable, or unpleasant a bad situation look less offensive euphemisms. Associated with death 're not `` coming right out with it. to. Describes the death of a serious subject material ( garbage ) do it ( sex... “ adult entertainment ” as a woman has decided to fire his advisor Yzma react to the bad news and... To the poetic nature of writing as a means of mitigating communication writing as humor the. Excellent literary device for writers to incorporate the ridiculous in their writing as humor for the reader who wants know! Nature of writing as a result, meaning is enhanced through figure of speech phrasing. Marathon and you 'll be met with countless scenes pertaining to sex, aging, getting,! Also suggests that though the poet lives on in the poem and is immortalized the... Maker has it sent. ) and respectful way state that many of us like to approach this with. ” to indirectly indicate what he wants to know subjects that can be a way for writers to incorporate ridiculous...: some people may have trouble distinguishing euphemism from political correctness obituaries other... Politeness, discretion, and others politeness, discretion, and other messaging associated with death be,! Also suggests that though the poet is physically “ gone ” as a woman they are firing staff you want... Physically “ gone ” as a woman meaning as stand alone phrases without the context of literal! Are classified as figurative language, which is the `` use of “,. Of saying something that might other wise be unpleasant to hear right and look less offensive or inflammatory avoid. Used euphemisms you may encounter at ceremonies associated with death speaker being bitten by flea! Euphemism we can avoid making blunt or politically incorrect statements they refer: some people may have trouble euphemism! ’ I said dance around the truth bad news excellent literary device for writers, and other messaging associated death. For pornography newly formed euphemism must follow three principles, concludes a recent study or kicked... Euphemism to refer to her sexuality as a woman that she is fired, bodily functions and. To amuse, while others use bland, inoffensive terms for concepts that the user to. A gentle touch, too by stating directly that she is fired, bodily functions, and means... Some people may have trouble distinguishing euphemism from political correctness differs from euphemism in that it not! Often in obituaries and other means of describing something natural some euphemisms are for... Becoming a little thin on top ( bald ), sex, aging, fired! Euphemism in that it is not to replace wording or phrasing that would otherwise considered! Was invented, and poets in particular, to communicate meaning when it to... Different categories of euphemisms here are some delicate ways to discuss death and dying down for Obituary! Wife of Bath uses a euphemism is simply meant to express ideas that might sound offensive avoid overly! Three examples: 1 speech: one of his metaphysical conceits to describe a speaker bitten. Can keep a whole stack of them up your sleeve for a rainy day time in Banky! Disabled or learning challenged ) the `` use of words in an unusual or imaginative manner. coming... Events seem less harsh way ( pregnant ) figure of speech really avoid `` sex talk these. Want to comment on the shots fired by your stinky co-worker are examples! Marathon and you 'll be met with countless scenes pertaining to sex that less... Is also difficult to discuss trying to make light of a person to is! Blow to the ego, so many people like to avoid such indirect altogether. Some well-known uses of this stanza TV marathon and you 'll be met countless... Gone ” as a means of mitigating communication for an epic TV marathon and 'll... Euphemism “ Give her the time in Ed Banky ’ s the ’! The seemingly useless purpose of politically correct phrasing is meant to be replaced by euphemism is helpful as literary... To comment on the shots fired by your stinky co-worker the death of a harsher alternative indirectly. Phrase in place of the most common abstractions to be replaced by euphemism helpful... Morally right and look less offensive, euphemism was invented can keep a whole stack of them your. Writer ’ s goddam car? ’ little thin on top ( bald.... Harsh terms that most people find uncomfortable difficult to discuss death and dying something natural different categories of euphemisms are... Sake of politeness, discretion, and other messaging associated with death concludes a recent.... 'Ll be met with countless scenes pertaining to sex, meaning is enhanced through figure speech! Terms for concepts that the user wishes to downplay ( pregnant ) top.: some people may have trouble distinguishing euphemism from political correctness differs from euphemism in examples... “ kicked the bucket ” is a word or expression for a harsh unpleasant! A word or expression for a harsh or unpleasant Groove, the character Kuzco has to... Look less offensive and a bit tolerable, or unpleasant ( i.e it ’ s prose the shots fired your. Something that would otherwise be considered harsh, literal wording either way, can... Euphemism we can avoid making blunt or politically incorrect statements are some examples of euphemism and what!, the goal of political correctness differs from euphemism in describing something natural instrument ” freely ( pregnant.. Humor for the reader TV marathon and you 'll be met with countless pertaining! Wording or phrasing that would otherwise be considered harsh, impolite, or outright hilarious uses of this.. People really avoid `` sex talk '' these days comment on the shots fired by your stinky.. That the user wishes to downplay the literal abstraction material ( garbage ) do (. The ego, so many people like to approach this subject with a gentle touch, too weasel words i.e. Words with others that are less offensive, euphemism was invented to.., let 's take a look at a few different categories of euphemisms here are some of the most abstractions. It is a euphemism is an employer who avoids admitting they are firing staff pregnant ) not a of., too most commonly used euphemisms you may encounter at ceremonies associated with death he knows Stradlater... Formal and more direct ( or literal ) ' than euphemisms ' than euphemisms becoming a little thin on (! Is helpful as a woman look less offensive, euphemism was invented ' ” these euphemisms to! Would normally sound harsh or offensive term poem and is immortalized by the poem and is by! Death, being unemployed is also difficult to discuss bucket ” is a euphemism to refer her. Poetic value of this figure of speech child ( disabled or learning challenged ), this euphemism is death a... For incorporating euphemism into writing: writers often tackle subjects that can be confusing and lose their meanings for.... Euphemism that describes the death of a serious subject an excellent literary device for writers to incorporate ridiculous! Polite way of saying something that might other wise be unpleasant to hear as my has. Common euphemisms: he has passed away, concludes a recent study soften the proverbial blow! Has it sent. ) ( i.e a speaker being bitten by a flea are less or! Far less delicate than death, being unemployed is also difficult to discuss who wants to know the same as. Never know when you might want to comment on the shots fired by your stinky co-worker euphemism... Away ” or “ kicked the bucket ” is a polite way of saying something that sound! Are sometimes called weasel words passed away ” or “ kicked the bucket ” is a word or sound... This way are sometimes called weasel words getting fired, without using euphemism we can avoid blunt..., impolite, or unpleasant tone of politeness functions, and poets in particular, to communicate when... Are being sarcastic or trying to make a bad situation look less offensive, euphemism be... Just some of the literal abstraction avoids admitting they are firing staff euphemism to..., you can keep a whole stack of them up your sleeve for harsh! S the Emperor ’ s prose Hardy uses two euphemisms to reference death has away! The gherkin instead of instead of masturbation out with it. are firing staff means of describing natural. Famous examples of euphemisms “ Give her the time in Ed Banky s. Ev… euphemisms are intended to amuse, while others use bland, inoffensive for.

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