Key takeaways:
- A euphemism is a figure of speech that replaces a harsh, direct, or unpleasant term with a milder, more indirect expression.
- Euphemisms help us talk about uncomfortable topics in a way that avoids causing offense or discomfort.
- For example, instead of saying someone died, people may use the euphemism passed away to express the same idea more gently.
Not everyone is comfortable with direct language, especially when discussing sensitive topics. As a society, we often employ indirect expressions to soften these realities. Phrases like let go or between jobs are euphemisms, figures of speech that replace harsh or unpleasant terms with milder, vaguer ones. Rather than saying someone is fired or unemployed, these gentler phrases help cushion the impact and avoid embarrassment.
Euphemisms aim to soften language in writing and verbal communication, allowing us to navigate difficult subjects with greater sensitivity. This post will explore the world of euphemisms and how they help replace harsh terms with more comfortable alternatives.
Table of contents
Types of euphemisms
Euphemisms are a literary device that softens or masks difficult topics. They offer a way to adjust tone or meaning, adding nuance to communication. Whether they’re used in writing or in speaking, euphemisms are figures of speech, helping to convey sensitivity or politeness in everyday conversation. Here’s a quick breakdown of the types of euphemisms:
| Type of euphemism | Definition | Example |
| Abstraction | Creates a new way of talking about a situation | Referring to prison as “going away for a while” |
| Indirection | Makes the speaker seem less directly involved in the situation | Referring to someone having “a little work done” instead of saying they had cosmetic surgery |
| Litotes | Softens the topic by making it seem less important than it really is | Saying someone is “not exactly poor” instead of “filthy rich” |
| Mispronunciation | Alters the pronunciation of a harsher term to soften its impact | Using “frigging” instead of a more explicit word |
| Personification | Assigns human-like names to uncomfortable subjects | Referring to menstruation as “a visit from Aunt Flo” |
| Slang | Vocab used within a social group that replaces more formal terms, often playful or coded | Saying someone is “in hot water” means they are in trouble |
Common euphemism examples
Euphemisms are common when softening sensitive subjects, such as death, sex, or money. We use many of these so often that we don’t think twice about them. Below is a flowchart to guide you on when to use euphemisms.
Common euphemisms for money and career
Money and work can be tied to pride, status, and identity, which makes them prime areas for euphemistic language, especially when addressing job loss, income, or financial well-being.
Money and career euphemism examples
| Euphemism | What it means |
| “Bringing home the bacon” | Earning a salary |
| “Letting someone go” | Firing an employee |
| “In between jobs” | Unemployed |
| “Breadwinner” | Primary income earner |
| “Living comfortably” | Financially secure |
Common euphemisms for death
Euphemisms for death soften the emotional impact of discussing loss and can reflect cultural or spiritual beliefs about what happens after life.
Death euphemism examples
- “Passed on”
- “Kicked the bucket“
- “Is in a better place”
- “No longer with us”
- “Lost their life”
Common euphemisms for sex
Because discussions about sex can be private, sensitive, or culturally influenced, euphemisms often appear in conversations, media, and writing as a way to suggest intimacy without being explicit.
Sex euphemism examples
| Euphemism | What it means |
| “Getting lucky” | Having sex |
| “Knocking boots” | Having sex (informal/slang) |
| “Making love” | Having romantic/sexual relations |
| “Sleeping together” | Having sex or sharing a bed |
| “Hooking up“ | Casual sexual encounter |
Euphemism examples in literature
Authors use euphemisms for various effects, such as social commentary, character development, or to soften sensitive topics. Here are a few literary examples:
1 George Orwell’s 1984
Orwell uses euphemisms to show how those in power can use language to control people’s thoughts. In 1984, the government doesn’t just twist words—it uses them to reshape reality. The names of the ministries are key examples:
- Ministry of Truth: A euphemism for the department that spreads lies and rewrites history
- Ministry of Peace: Actually in charge of waging constant war
These names aren’t just ironic. They’re tools that the government in the story uses to hide the truth and shut down independent thinking. By carefully choosing words, the Party controls what people believe and say.
2 Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice
Austen’s works feature euphemisms related to social status and wealth in 19th-century England:
- Saying someone was in trade subtly indicated a lower status than someone who owned land.
- Discussing a woman’s fortune or expectations was a polite way of inquiring about her wealth, which was crucial for marriage prospects.
Austen uses these subtle language choices to reveal social hierarchies and character motivations.
3 William Shakespeare’s Hamlet
Shakespeare often used euphemisms for the sensitive subject of death:
- Sleep
- Rest
- The undiscovered country
These softer terms reflect the characters’ views on mortality and add poetic depth to the language.
When to use euphemisms
Consider using euphemisms when:
- Writing dialogue or fictional correspondence: Euphemisms often reflect natural, everyday speech.
- Addressing uncomfortable topics: They can soften language around sensitive subjects, especially when your audience may prefer a gentler or less direct approach.
- Aiming for a casual or conversational tone: They help the writing sound friendly and relatable.
- Showing familiarity with cultural idioms: Using common euphemisms demonstrates an understanding of figurative language (e.g., referring to someone being in their final resting place instead of being buried).
- Criticizing or satirizing delicate subjects: Euphemisms can be a tool for indirect commentary (e.g., referring to a special project with unknown implications).
Be sure to choose euphemisms carefully, keeping in mind:
- The tone you want to convey
- Whether your readers will understand the intended meaning
- The potential for misinterpretation or unintended offense
When not to use euphemisms
Avoid using euphemisms when:
- Straightforward language is necessary: Euphemisms are indirect and unsuitable when clarity is key.
- Communicating important information directly: Be unambiguous in situations like a formal announcement or crucial feedback.
- Professional or official communication is required: Avoid casual euphemisms in professional settings where directness conveys seriousness.
- Communicating across languages and cultures: Euphemisms can confuse or seem evasive when you’re communicating across cultures or in situations that demand honesty. Use direct language to ensure your message is understood.
Choose direct and clear language when the writing style calls for it, especially in important, professional, or sensitive contexts where you should minimize ambiguity.
Soften your language by using euphemisms
When facing delicate subjects, remember the power of the euphemism to make your language more tactful. Choosing softer expressions in your writing and speaking can significantly improve understanding and reduce discomfort.
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Euphemism FAQs
Below are frequently asked questions about how euphemisms differ from other literary devices and how to use them.
How is a euphemism different from political correctness?
Euphemisms and political correctness aim to make communication more respectful, but they differ in approach.
- Euphemisms use indirect language to soften harsh or sensitive topics, like saying in a financially challenging situation instead of broke.
- Political correctness focuses on using direct, respectful language to avoid offending or marginalizing any group, such as saying people with disabilities instead of the disabled.
Euphemisms use indirect language to hint at sensitive topics, while political correctness focuses on using clear and respectful language without changing the direct meaning.
How do you use the word euphemism in a sentence?
You can use euphemism to describe terms that soften harsh or direct expressions. For example:
- The term downsizing is a common euphemism for layoffs in the corporate world.
- The term alternative facts is a euphemism for misinformation.
- In politics, collateral damage is a euphemism for civilian casualties.
How are euphemisms different from other common literary devices?
Euphemisms, idioms, and understatements are literary devices that serve different purposes.
Euphemisms soften harsh or uncomfortable topics. They make difficult subjects more polite or acceptable.
Idioms are phrases with meanings that differ from their literal translation. Not all idioms are euphemisms, as they aren’t necessarily used to soften a difficult situation.
Understatements make something seem less important or serious than it is.
While euphemisms focus on sensitivity, idioms and understatements offer figurative language or minimize impact in other ways.
What are some euphemism synonyms?
Euphemisms are words or phrases used to soften the impact of something unpleasant, uncomfortable, or harsh. Here are some common euphemism synonyms:
- Alternative terms
- Mild expressions
- Polite substitutes
- Gentler phrases
- Softened terms
