A
euphemism is a
word or phrase that is used in place of a disagreeable or offensive term. When a phrase becomes a euphemism, its literal meaning is often pushed aside. (For instance, in the
English language, we have bathrooms with no facilities for bathing, and we rarely use the word
gay to describe a cheerful demeanor.) Euphemisms can eventually become taboo words themselves.
Many euphemisms fall into one or more of these categories:
- Foreign terms (derriere, copulation)
- Abbreviations (F--- you, SOB)
- Abstractions (it, the situation, go)
- Indirections (behind, unmentionables)
- Understatements (visually challenged)
- Longer words (perspire, urinate)
See also politeness?, doublespeak.
/Talk
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