euphemism

[ yoo-fuh-miz-uhm ]

noun

1. the substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for one thought to be offensive, harsh, or blunt.
2. the expression so substituted:

   “To pass away” is a euphemism for “to die.”

euphemism

/ ˈjuːfɪˌmɪzəm /

noun

1. an inoffensive word or phrase substituted for one considered offensive or hurtful, esp one concerned with religion, sex, death, or excreta. Examples of euphemisms are sleep with for have sexual intercourse with; departed for dead; relieve oneself for urinate
2. the use of such inoffensive words or phrases

euphemism

1. An agreeable word or expression substituted for one that is potentially offensive, often having to do with bodily functions, sex, or death; for example, rest room for toilet , lady of the evening for prostitute . The Nazis used euphemism in referring to their plan to murder the world's Jews (see also Jews ) as “the Final Solution .”

Derived Forms

• ˌeupheˈmistic, adjective
• ˌeupheˈmistically, adverb

Other Words From

• euphe·mist noun
• euphe·mistic euphe·misti·cal eu·phe·mi·ous [yoo-, fee, -mee-, uh, s], adjective
• euphe·misti·cal·ly eu·phemi·ous·ly adverb
• uneu·phe·mistic adjective
• uneu·phe·misti·cal adjective
• uneu·phe·misti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of euphemism¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Greek euphēmismós “use of words of good omen,” from eu- eu- + phḗm(ē) “speaking, fame” + -ismos -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of euphemism¹

C17: from Greek euphēmismos, from eu- + phēmē speech

Example Sentences

The media has deployed every euphemism imaginable to describe the former president’s public usage of bad words like ****, **** and ****.

From Los Angeles Times

Rather than call out the dangerous lunacy in plain view, the Times has chosen to engage in tortured euphemisms.

From Salon

Huge new appropriations for nuclear weapons are voted under the euphemism of “modernization.”

From Salon

Social media generally breeds this problem of people getting so enmeshed in their subcultures that they forget that most people don't share their jargon or euphemisms.

From Salon

Similarly, in her opening track, “Taste” the singer says her ex-boyfriend “makes paintings with his tongue,” using a euphemism to explain his skills in the bedroom.

From Salon