Euphemism

Euphemism

 

 

Language users at all times evade using words and vocabularies which are uncomfortable, unsuitable or awkward to them or to whom they are communicating. This repressing of language occurs primarily instinctively through applying euphemistic expressions. Euphemisms are often used by talkers of diverse languages to moderate the impact of notions with the probable to cause felony and social discontentment. Euphemisms protect talkers from undesired emotional provocation. Anxiety, humiliation, and hatred are three principal factors inspiring the use of euphemisms.

1.      What is Euphemism?

A Euphemism is a polite inoffensive expression words or phrases replaced for one considered offensive or hurtful that contrarily might be considered bitter, blunt or unpleasant to hear. In short, the term euphemism refers to courteous, unintended expressions which is the substitution of an agreeable or inoffensive expression that replace words and phrases considered harsh and disrespectful or which suggest something unpleasant. When the aim is not to offend or hurt someone with honest intentions. 

Possibly there is no other word in English for which there are more euphemisms than for the verb “to die.” When someone dies, we say he passed away, passed on or simply passed. Or he is in a better place now, gone on to his heavenly reward or as the doctor may have said just as the patient breathed his last breath. “She expired.”

Lets consider a few more  

Examples:

• Collateral damage instead of accidental deaths
• Use the rest room instead of go to the bathroom
• Between jobs instead of unemployed
• Domestic engineer instead of maid

2.      Types of Euphemisms

To Soften an Expression - Some euphemisms are used to make a blunt or obnoxious truth seem less hard.

Examples:

• Passed away instead of died
• Differently-abled instead of handicapped or disabled
• Relocation center instead of prison camp
• Letting someone go instead of firing someone
• On the streets instead of homeless

Euphemisms to be Polite - Some euphemisms are used to take the place of words or phrases one might not want to say in polite circle.

Examples:

• Adult beverages instead of beer or liquor
• Big-boned instead of heavy or overweight
• Vertically-challenged instead of short
• Economical with the truth instead of liar
• Between jobs instead of unemployed

Euphemisms to be Impolite - euphemisms are intentionally a callous or insensitive way of saying something. These euphemisms are usually used when being sarcastic or trying to make light of a serious subject or make it seem less serious.

Example:

• Bit the dust instead of died
• Blow chunks instead of vomited
• Bit the farm instead of died

3.      Examples of Euphemisms

Euphemism is frequently used in everyday life. Let us look at some common euphemism examples:

• Retarded - mentally challenged
• Blind - Visually challenged
• Crippled - Differently abled
• Bald - follicularly challenged
• Poor - economically marginalized
• Fat - gravitationally challenged, Overweight
• Lazy - motivationally deficient
• beggar - panhandler, homeless person
• coffin - casket
• old age - golden age, golden years
• criminal (adj) - illegal
• confinement - detention
• lawyer - attorney
• sick - indisposed, ill, under the weather
• toilet - john, WC, men's room, restroom, bathroom, washroom, lavatory

Euphemism in sentences:

• He is always tired and emotional (drunk). He is a special child (disabled or retarded).
• You are becoming a little thin on top (bald).
• Our teacher is in the family way (pregnant).
• We do not hire mentally challenged (stupid) people.
• The individual was accused of appropriating funds.
• Joey isn’t broke, he is having temporary negative cash flow.
• Sam isn't buying a used car, he is purchasing a pre-enjoyed or pre-loved vehicle.
• Dian's supervisor laid him off because he was unmotivated.
• Politicians don't commit crimes, they 'make mistakes.'
• I don't care if you keep smoking, you'll be the one pushing up the daisies at the age of 40, not me!
• Putting stray dogs to sleep is the most humane thing to do.

Lets consider Euphemisms for death and dying as an example:

a race well run	definitely done dancing	in a better place	feeling no pain	go west
departed	Finished	at room temperature	get a one-way ticket	out of his/her misery
cross the bar	asleep	join the majority	bite the dust	kick the bucket
living-impaired	resting in peace	check out	pass away	no longer with us
meet his/her maker	wearing a toe tag	yield up the ghost	kick the oxygen habit	pushing up the daisies
six feet under	with the angels	terminated	call home	final curtain call

4.      Function of Euphemism

Euphemism helps writers to convey those ideas which have become a social taboo and are too embarrassing to mention directly. Writers skillfully choose appropriate words to refer to and discuss a subject indirectly which otherwise are not published due to strict social censorship e.g. religious fanaticism, political theories, sexuality, death etc. Thus, euphemism is a useful tool that allows writers to write figuratively about the libelous issues.

http://english.tutorvista.com/literary-response/euphemism.html#what-is-euphemism?