EUPHEMISM

                    

 

A euphemism is a polite expression used in place of words or phrases that otherwise might be considered harsh or unpleasant to hear. Euphemisms are used regularly, and there are many examples in everyday language.

Types of Euphemisms

To Soften an Expression

Some euphemisms are used in order to make a blunt or unpleasant truth seem less harsh.
Examples:

	Words	Euphemisms
1	Died	Pass away or departed
2	Jail	Correctional facility
3	Handicapped or disabled	Differently - abled
4	Stolen	Fell of the back
5	Genocide	Ethnic cleansing
6	Engage in prostitution	Turn a trick
7	Dead	Negative patient outcome
8	Prison camp	Relocation
9	Accidental deaths	Collateral damage
10	Firing someone	Letting someone go
11	Euthanize	Put to sleep
12	Abortion	Pregnancy termination
13	Homeless	On the streets

  

To Be Polite

Other euphemisms are used to take the place of words or phrases you might not want to say in polite company.

Examples:

	Words	Euphemisms
1	Pornography	Adult entertainment
2	Beer or liquor	Adult beverages
3	Naked	An natural
4	Naked	Big- boned
5	Heavy or overweight	Portly
6	Late	Chronologically-challenged
7	Prostitute	Comfort woman
8	Go to the bad room	Use the rest room
9	Pass gas	Break wind
10	Liar	Economical with the truth
11	Use the rest room	Powder your nose
12	Sex	The birds and the bees
13	Unemployed	Between jobs
14	Have sex	Go all the way
15	Maid	Domestic engineer
16	Garbage man	Sanitation engineer
17	Short	Vertically-challenged
18	Have sex	Sleep together

Euphemisms to be Impolite

In some cases, euphemisms are intentionally a grosser or less pleasant way of saying something. There are usually used when people are being sarcastic or trying to make light of a serious subject or make it seem less serious.

Examples:

	Words	Euphemisms
1	Homosexual	Batting for the other side
2	Died	Bit the big one
3	Died	Bit the farm
4	Dead	Cement shoes
5	Died	Bit the dust
6	Dead	Croaked
7	Die	Kick the bucket
8	Vomited	Blow chunks
9	Sex	Hide the sausage
10	Sex	Making whoopee

        

Source: examples.yourdictionary.com