eu·phe·mism
/ˈyo͞ofəˌmiz(ə)m,ˈyo͞ofm̩iz(ə)m/
noun
a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing.
"“downsizing” as a euphemism for cuts"
synonyms: polite term, substitute, mild alternative, indirect term, understatement, underplaying, softening, politeness, genteelism, coy term
People also ask
What is an example of a euphemism?
Euphemism examples:
“Passed away” instead of “died” “Let go” instead of “fired” “Make love” instead of “sex” “Put down” instead of “euthanized”
What is the meaning of the word euphemism?
: the substitution of an agreeable or inoffensive expression for one that may offend or suggest something unpleasant. also : the expression so substituted. euphemist. ˈyü-fə-mist. noun.
What is the oldest known euphemism?
So they came up with this word — this is up in Northern Europe — bruin, meaning “the brown one” as a euphemism, and then bruin segued into bear. We know the euphemism, but we don't know what word it replaced, so bear is the oldest-known euphemism.
What is an euphemism for lazy?
Definition for lazy person. noun as in couch potato. TV viewer, bystander, drone, goof-off, idler, inactive person, laggard, lazybones, loafer, lotuseater, lounger, observer, slouch, sluggard, sofa spud, spectator, televiewer, television viewer, video-gazer, viewer.
Euphemism comes from Greek eúphēmos, which means "uttering sounds of good omen," "fair-sounding," or "auspicious." The first part of that root is the prefix ...
A euphemism (/ˈjuːfəmɪzəm/ YOO-fə-miz-əm) is when an expression that could offend or imply something unpleasant is replaced with one that is agreeable or ...
May 15, 2025 · Key takeaways: A euphemism is a figure of speech that replaces a harsh, direct, or unpleasant term with a milder, more indirect expression.
Euphemism
A euphemism is when an expression that could offend or imply something unpleasant is replaced with one that is agreeable or inoffensive. Some euphemisms are intended to amuse, while others use bland, inoffensive terms for concepts that the user... Wikipedia
Euphemism definition: the substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for one thought to be offensive, harsh, or blunt.. See examples of EUPHEMISM ...
The term 'euphemism' refers to those words or a phrase that can be used to convey something unpleasant, sad or considered taboo. It is the art of communicating ...
1. the use of a word or phrase that is less expressive or direct but considered less distasteful, less offensive, etc. than another
4 days ago · a word or phrase used to avoid saying an unpleasant or offensive word: euphemism for "Senior citizen" is a euphemism for "old person."
Jul 27, 2012 · Euphemism is just the substitution of a term or phrase that means roughly the same thing but is more socially acceptable. Some euphemisms are ...
Noun · (uncountable) The use of a word or phrase to replace another one that is more offensive, blunt or vulgar. · a. · (countable) A word or phrase that ...
Originating in the 1650s from Greek, euphemism means using favorable words instead of inauspicious ones, reflecting its root in "good speech" or "fair words ...