Euphemism
/ˈjuːfəˌmɪzəm/
nounC1
Definition
A euphemism is a way to say something difficult, embarrassing, or unpleasant in a softer or nicer way. People use euphemisms to avoid hurting feelings or to be polite when talking about sensitive topics like death, illness, or mistakes.
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See It in Action
A polite or mild expression used to replace a harsh or unpleasant word
- •Saying "passed away" is a common euphemism for "died."
- •People often use euphemisms to talk about sensitive topics like losing a job.
- •"Let go" is a euphemism companies use instead of "fired."
Language tool to avoid discomfort or offense
- •She used a euphemism to avoid embarrassing her friend.
- •Politicians sometimes use euphemisms to sound less negative.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "euphemism" like "nice word" (A1), but it replaces a word that might sound rude or harsh.
- ✓Picture someone saying "passed away" instead of "died" to make the idea gentler.
- ✓It’s the feeling when you want to be kind or careful with your words so you don’t upset others.
- ✓Sounds like "YOU-fuh-miz-um" → Imagine someone saying "You feel 'mizzed' (missed) the harsh word by using a softer one."
- ✓Remember how parents say "go to sleep" instead of "go to bed" to sound nicer to children.
- ✓NOT like a direct word that can hurt feelings; a euphemism softens the meaning.
- ✓NOT like a lie; euphemisms still tell the truth but in a gentler way.
Try Other Words
- •Polite expression: a kind or gentle way of saying something (Use when emphasizing kindness)
- •Softening phrase: a phrase that makes something sound less harsh (Use when focusing on making a word less strong)
- •Understatement: a less strong way to say something (Use when the meaning is made smaller or less serious)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "eu-" (good, well) + "phem" (speech, voice) + "-ism" (a noun suffix)
- •Etymology: From Greek "euphemia," meaning "speaking well" or "good speech"
- •Historical development: Originally meant speaking in a good or pleasant way; now used for polite replacements of harsh words
- •Modern usage: Used in everyday language, media, and politics to soften difficult or unpleasant ideas
Reflect & Connect
•When might it be better to use a euphemism instead of a direct word? Can it ever cause confusion?
•How do euphemisms reflect cultural attitudes about topics like death, illness, or money?
Fill in the blanks
1.People often use euphemism to ___ unpleasant ideas more gently.
2.Saying "passed away" is a euphemism that replaces the word ___.
3.Euphemisms help avoid ___ or embarrassment when talking about sensitive subjects.
4.Unlike direct words, euphemism is used to ___ feelings or soften the message.
5.Politicians sometimes use euphemism to sound less ___ or negative.
6.When someone uses a euphemism, they usually want to be ___ or polite.
7.A euphemism is NOT a lie, but it ___ the harshness of the original word.