Euphemism (Noun)
Meaning
An inoffensive or indirect expression that is substituted for one that is considered offensive or too harsh.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The politician's speech was filled with euphemisms for the city's high crime rate, such as "challenging neighborhood" and "opportunities for growth".
- The company's HR department encouraged employees to use euphemisms when discussing layoffs, suggesting phrases like "career transition" or "separation package".
- The teacher tried to use euphemisms to explain the concept of death to her young students, referring to it as "passing on" or "going to a better place".
- The funeral home's brochure used euphemisms to describe the process of embalming, calling it "preparation for the viewing" or "restorative care".
- The company's memo used a euphemism for the new policy, referring to it as "right-sizing" rather than admitting it was a cost-cutting measure.