Definition:
Substitution of an inoffensive term (such as "passed away") for one considered offensively explicit ("died"). Adjective: euphemistic. See also:
- Language Taboos: Never Say "Die"
- Fifty Reasons You'll Never Be Told, "You're Fired"
- Euphemisms, Dysphemisms, and Distinctio
- Soft Language
- Dysphemism
- Orthophemism
- Taboo Language
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
