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Definition
According to Encyclopedia Britannica, a euphemism is a mild or indirect word or phrase used in place of a statement or word that is considered disagreeable or offensive. In other words, it is a polite expression we use to soften an uncomfortable topic. The word euphemism originated in the mid-17th century from the Greek word euphēmismos, which means “use auspicious words,” with the prefix eu- meaning “good,” or “well,” and the word phēmē meaning “speech.” Euphemisms are frequently used when we are dealing with topics such as death, aging, financial situation, employment/unemployment, characteritstics, sexual activities, or bodily functions.
Examples of euphemisms
My car has seen better days. (My car is old and in a bad condition.)
He has passed away. (He has died.)
They have let David go. (They have fired David.)
I am between jobs. (I am unemployed.)
Sue has gone to powder her nose. (Sue has gone to the toilet.)
Euphemisms in literature
Othello by William Shakespeare
Iago says to Brabantio: “I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs.”
Meaning: “The beast with two backs” is a euphemism for sexual intercourse. Since Iago was speaking to Desdemona’s (“your daughter”) father in this scene, Shakespeare chose euphemistic diction to lighten the blow of the news.
The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
"Don't ever call me mad, Mycroft. I'm not mad. I'm just ... well, differently moraled, that's all.”
How to be Funny by Steve Allen
“When my mother passed away several years ago—well, wait a minute. Actually, she didn’t ‘pass away.’ She died. Something about that verb, ‘to pass away’ always sounds to me as if someone just drifted through the wallpaper. No, my mother did not pass away. She definitely died.”
Author of the page: Marian Sušila 563481
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