Euphemism – Definition and Examples
We are delighted to announce that we will be adding lot of new content to our “Free CAT Prep” section.
Please mail us your suggestions on the topics you would like us to post for you. Mail us at info@fireup.co.in
To improve your vocabulary get 4-5 word meanings everyday on your mobile. Also get Maths Tricks, Current Affairs and much more – Free FireUp SMS CAT Preparation
This week’s Lesson – Euphemisms
What is Euphemisms?
Euphemisms are agreeable or inoffensive substitutes for expressions that might offend someone or suggest something unpleasant. Euphemisms are unpleasant truths wearing diplomatic cologne.
For example, ‘death penalty’ can be considered as an offensive expression by some. Its euphemism will be ‘capital punishment’. For more commonly used euphemisms see below.
Opposite of Euphemism
Dysphemism is usage of a nasty term for something not-nasty
Common Usage of Euphemisms
| Offensive Expressions | Euphemisms |
| Death | Demise |
| Pornography | Erotica |
| Bad breath | Halitosis |
| Poor | Indigent, destitute |
| Customer of a prostitute | John |
| Death rate | Morality rate |
| Customer | Patron, Guest |
| Boarder | Paying Guest |
| Secondhand car, used car | Pre-owned car |
| Public toilet | Restroom, Amenity center, Comfort station |
| Lie | Stretch the truth |
| Destitute, poor | Underprivileged |
| Kill | Marginalize |
| Handicapped | Physically challenged |
I am sure you will have many more such substitutes which you use in formal environment. Share them with all by commenting below.
Related posts:
June 4th, 2010 at 7:39 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by FireUp, farhan aslams. farhan aslams said: Published a new post: Euphemism – Definition and Examples http://tinyurl.com/22oc8rd [...]
June 15th, 2010 at 12:17 am
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!
June 17th, 2010 at 3:43 pm
This is a really good read for me, Must admit that you are one of the best bloggers I ever saw.Thanks for posting this informative article.
June 17th, 2010 at 4:29 pm
Hey this is a great story. I’m going to email this to my buddies. I stumbled on this while surfing for some rock lyrics, I’ll be sure to come back. thanks for sharing.
June 20th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
Aw, this was a really quality post. In theory I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real effort to make a good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and never seem to get something done.
July 8th, 2010 at 11:39 pm
Best Porn, Local Girls Who Like To Web Cam , Why Pay More
September 28th, 2010 at 4:34 pm
I’m having some trouble getting 2 load this blog. I read it many times before & never got anything like this, but now when I try 2 load the site it just idles 4 a little while and then just stops. I have tried both with www and without. Do you know what is the problem? Please ask your host support… I hope to be able to come back soon.