euphemism

Everyday

A euphemism is a gentle, polite or indirect word or phrase used instead of one that sounds too harsh, rude or upsetting. Examples: «passed away» for «died», «let go» for «sacked», «the little boys' room» for «the toilet». tree →

In the lessons

In English lessons pupils learn to spot euphemisms in speech, news and stories and to understand what they really mean. They are used to be kind, polite or to hide unpleasant facts. Sometimes officials use euphemisms to make bad news sound better. Phrases: a euphemism for, use a euphemism.

Examples

• «Passed away» is a euphemism for «died». tree →
• The company said workers were «let go», a euphemism for being sacked. tree →
• «Powder my nose» is an old euphemism for going to the toilet. tree →
• «Between jobs» is a euphemism for «out of work». tree →
• Grandma used a euphemism because she didn't want to upset us. tree →
• «Put to sleep» is a gentle euphemism for a vet ending a sick pet's life. tree →
• Spot the euphemism in this news report. tree →
• [59] Literally, "has bid to live long," a conventional euphemism for "has died." "Remember what his name was," is sometimes added. tree →

Note

Say: YOO-fe-miz-em. «A euphemism» (not «an»), because it starts with a «you» sound. Adjective: euphemistic. Opposite idea: a dysphemism (a harsher word than needed). Trap: read euphemisms for their real meaning — «a little older» may mean «old».