Definition
“That figure of speech which consists in the substitution of a word or expression of comparatively favorable implication or less unpleasant associations, instead of the harsher or more offensive one that would more precisely designate what is intended.”
Euphemism. Oxford English Dictionary, www.oed.com/view/Entry/65021?rskey=vVTC6W &result=1&isAdvanced=true#firstMatch. Accessed 26 Aug. 2022.
Informal Definition
is typically a word or expression someone can use when they find something unpleasant, upsetting, or embarrassing.
Example: “When firing someone, an employer might say, “We’re going to have to let you go.” That employed person might then say they are “between jobs” rather than admit they were fired.
Euphemism. SuperSummary, www.supersummary.com/euphemism/#:~:text=Definition %2C%20Usage%2C%20and%20Literary%20Examples%201%20William%20Shakespeare,Ernest%20Hemingway%2C%20%E2%80%9C%20Hills%20Like%20White%20Elephants%20%E2%80%9D. Accessed 29 Aug. 2022.
Etymology
“Euphemism comes from Greek eúphēmos, which means “uttering sounds of good omen,” “fair-sounding,” or “auspicious.” the first part of that root is the prefix eu- meaning “good.” The second part is phēmos, A greek word for “speech.”
Euphemism. Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/euphemism#: ~:text=Euphemism%20comes%20from%20Greek%20e%C3%BAph%C4%93mos,Greek%20word%20for%20%22speech.%22. Accessed 29 Aug. 2022.