Euphemism

/ˈjuː.fə.mɪ.zəm/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A mild or indirect word or expression used in place of one that may be considered harsh or blunt.

Using 'passed away' as a euphemism for 'died' is common in many cultures.

An expression used to soften the impact of what is being communicated.

The term 'downsizing' is a euphemism for layoffs in the corporate world.

A figure of speech that replaces a more direct phrase with a less offensive one.

He referred to his unemployment as being 'between jobs,' a euphemism for his current situation.

A way of saying something that makes it seem more agreeable or acceptable.

The politician used a euphemism for 'tax increase' by calling it a 'revenue adjustment.'

Derived from the Greek word 'euphēmismos', from 'euphēmizein', meaning 'to use words of good omen'.

under the weather

feeling ill or unwell

let go

to dismiss someone from a job

in a family way

pregnant

dysphemism

A derogatory or unpleasant term used instead of a pleasant or neutral one.

litotes

A form of understatement that uses negation to express a positive trait.

A way to sugarcoat reality.

Calling someone 'between jobs' instead of 'unemployed' is a euphemism.

A nice way to say something bad.

Using 'unexpectedly terminated' in place of 'fired' is a euphemism.