genteelism

American  

[jen-tee-liz-uhm] / dʒɛnˈti lɪz əm /

noun

1. a word or phrase used in place of another, supposedly less genteel term.

   “Limb” is a genteelism for “leg.”

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genteelism British  

/ dʒɛnˈtiːlɪzəm /

noun

1. a word or phrase used in place of a less genteel one

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Etymology

Origin of genteelism

First recorded in 1925–30; genteel + -ism

Example Sentences

Mitchell had no time for what he called "tinsel words"; he deplored the way copy editors appeared "to prefer the nasty genteelism to the exact word".

From The Guardian • Jun. 22, 2012

Drama Critic Louis Kronenberger's comment was typical of the group at large: "A genteelism, and much worse than 'ain't I.' "

From Time Magazine Archive

But chief credit for The Miracle must go to Sturges, who has given the slick, growing genteelism of U.S. cinema the roughest and healthiest shaking up it has had since the disease became serious.

From Time Magazine Archive

The essential gentleness portrayed throughout is so birth-strangled by genteelism as to be a little blue in the face.

From Time Magazine Archive