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euphemism

By Richard Nordquist, About.com

A pre-owned car

Definition:

Substitution of an inoffensive term (such as "passed away") for one considered offensively explicit ("died"). Adjective: euphemistic. See also:

Etymology:

From the Greek, "use of good words"

Examples and Observations:

  • Dr. House: I'm busy.
    Thirteen: We need you to . . .
    Dr. House: Actually, as you can see, I'm not busy. It's just a euphemism for "get the hell out of here."
    ("Dying Changes Everything," House, M.D.)


  • Dr. House: Who were you going to kill in Bolivia? My old housekeeper?
    Dr. Terzi: We don't kill anyone.
    Dr. House: I'm sorry--who were you going to marginalize?
    ("Whatever It Takes," House, M.D.)


  • Pre-owned for used or second-hand; enhanced interrogation for torture; wind for belch or fart


  • Dan Foreman: Guys, I feel very terrible about what I'm about to say. But I'm afraid you're both being let go.
    Lou: Let go? What does that mean?
    Dan Foreman: It means you're being fired, Louie.
    (In Good Company, 2004)


  • "Euphemisms are not, as many young people think, useless verbiage for that which can and should be said bluntly; they are like secret agents on a delicate mission, they must airily pass by a stinking mess with barely so much as a nod of the head. Euphemisms are unpleasant truths wearing diplomatic cologne."
    (Quentin Crisp, Manners from Heaven, 1984)


  • Mr. Prince: We'll see you when you get back from image enhancement camp.
    Martin Prince: Spare me your euphemisms! It's fat camp, for Daddy's chubby little secret!
    ("Kamp Krusty," The Simpsons, 1992)


  • Paul Kersey: You've got a prime figure. You really have, you know.
    Joanna Kersey: That's a euphemism for fat.
    (Death Wish, 1974)
Pronunciation: YOO-fuh-miz-em
Also Known As: soft language, euphemismus, conciliatio, paradiastole, soother

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