A euphemism is a polite word or expression that is used to refer to things which people may find upsetting or embarrassing to talk about, for example sex, the human body, or death.
The term 'early retirement' is nearly always a euphemism for redundancy nowadays. [+ for]
Synonyms: polite term, substitute, understatement, alternative word More Synonyms of euphemism
euphemism in British English
(ˈjuːfɪˌmɪzəm)
noun
1.
an inoffensive word or phrase substituted for one considered offensive or hurtful, esp one concerned with religion, sex, death, or excreta. Examples of euphemisms are sleep with for have sexual intercourse with; departed for dead; relieve oneself for urinate
2.
the use of such inoffensive words or phrases
Derived forms
euphemistic (ˌeupheˈmistic)
adjective
euphemistically (ˌeupheˈmistically)
adverb
Word origin
C17: from Greek euphēmismos, from eu- + phēmē speech
euphemism in American English
(ˈjufəˌmɪzəm)
noun
1.
the use of a word or phrase that is less expressive or direct but considered less distasteful, less offensive, etc. than another
2.
a word or phrase so substituted (Ex.: remains for corpse)
Derived forms
euphemist (ˈeuphemist)
noun
euphemistic (ˌeupheˈmistic)
adjective or ˌeupheˈmistical
euphemistically (ˌeupheˈmistically)
adverb
Word origin
Gr euphēmismos < euphēmizein, to use words of good omen < euphēmos, of good sound or omen < eu- (see eu-) + phēmē, speech < phanai, say: see ban1
Examples of 'euphemism' in a sentence
euphemism
Tax planning is a euphemism used by financial experts advising on legal ways to avoid tax.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
It depends on the context and whether you can use a euphemism.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
All the usual euphemisms for death only postpone the obvious question.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
To speak of "profit centers" in a business as we are wont to do is polite euphemism.
Peter F. Drucker THE ESSENTIAL DRUCKER (2001)
To sit at my desk thinking up new euphemisms for erections is not my idea of a relaxing afternoon.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Not very, it seems; unless special is being used as a euphemism.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
It's not that we skip over such stories, but that we tend to use euphemisms when telling them.
Christianity Today (2000)
In other languages
euphemism
British English: euphemism NOUN
A euphemism is a polite word or expression that is used to refer to things which people may find upsetting or embarrassing to talk about.
The term 'early retirement' is nearly always a euphemism for redundancy nowadays.
American English: euphemism
Brazilian Portuguese: eufemismo
Chinese: 委婉语
European Spanish: eufemismo
French: euphémisme
German: Euphemismus
Italian: eufemismo
Japanese: 婉曲表現
Korean: 완곡어법
European Portuguese: eufemismo
Latin American Spanish: eufemismo
(noun)
Definition
an inoffensive word or phrase substituted for one considered offensive or upsetting, such as departed for dead
The term `early retirement' is often a euphemism for `redundancy'.