There are a variety of literary devices that can be found in daily language. The euphemism is perhaps the most widely used literary device in everyday discussions. Euphemisms can evolve over time and between cultures, but what exactly is a euphemism? What does the term "euphemism" mean? We'll examine how this literary method, which is employed in both writing and daily language to express meaning, works in this article.
Let's start by defining euphemism. Then we will discuss further Euphemism Examples.
Although euphemism may appear to be a strange literary phrase, chances are you've used one in the last week. They are abundant in the cultural vernacular and are frequently employed in everyday discussions. So, what exactly does euphemism imply? Let's look at the definition of euphemism to find out.
What is a euphemism, exactly?
A euphemism is a suitable replacement for a term or words that may be considered unsuitable or objectionable. Euphemisms are frequently employed in everyday language and literature to replace words that some people deem offensive.
Euphemistic language is frequently used in literature, particularly older works, to express a point without running the danger of being censored for coarse language.
Short Euphemism examples glimpse:
- “Passed away” instead of “died.”
- “Let go” instead of “fired.”
- “Make love” instead of “sex.”
- “Put down” instead of “euthanized.”
Euphemisms can be used in a variety of situations. For example, they can assist you in maintaining a courteous tone and avoiding being overly blunt. Even if you're not "coming out with it," most people will grasp what a euphemism means. Let's look at a few different types of euphemisms with that in mind.
Euphemism Examples- Death and Bereavement
Is there anyone who can genuinely deal with death? Many of us like to dance around the truth because it is such a delicate — and ultimate — state. Here are a few subtle ways to broach the subject of death and to die.
- Instead of dying, the word "went away" was used.
- Instead of dying, he crossed over to the other side.
- Instead of deceased, use late.
- Instead of deceased, use dearly departed.
- In memory of those who have passed away, may they rest in peace.
- Instead of being alive, he is now deceased.
- Instead of dying, he departed.
- Instead of dying, he passed away.
- Instead of dying, he went to heaven.
- Instead of dying, he went home.
- Instead of dying, the patient had a poor consequence.
- Instead of euthanizing a pet, it can be put to sleep.
- Instead of dying, he crossed the rainbow bridge (for a pet)
Euphemism Examples- Employment Situations
Unemployment is difficult to address, even though it is far less delicate than death. Many individuals like to tackle this subject with a soft touch because it is a straight strike to the ego.
- Letting someone go rather than firing them.
- Instead of being unemployed, you're in between employment.
- Rather than being fired, I was downsized.
- Instead of being given no choice but to quit or be fired, I chose to resign.
- Instead of being fired, my position was eliminated.
- Choosing to retire early rather than risk losing one's work.
- Instead of quitting or being fired, you pursue other options.
- Instead of quitting, I left the company, walked off the job, or was fired.
- Instead of being jobless, I'm beginning on a voyage of self-discovery.
Euphemism Examples- Financial Field
It's not uncommon for people to avoid discussing money and financial situations. As a result, there are numerous financial euphemisms in ordinary speech. In addition, they're frequently used in connection with slang terms related to money.
- instead of cheap, use economically.
- instead of cheap, think frugal.
- Rather than being cheap, you should be frugal.
- Instead of being in debt, you have a negative cash flow.
- Instead of owing more on an asset than it is worth, you are upside-down.
- Instead of past-due debt, there is an outstanding payment.
- Instead of chronic overspending, she prefers to buy.
- Instead of destitute or impoverished, the term "economically disadvantaged" is used.
- Rather than being spoilt, I consider myself to be financially lucky.
- instead of rich, wealthy
- affluent rather than wealthy
- Instead of a third-world or impoverished country, consider a developing country.
Euphemism Examples- Aging and Bodily Functions
Bodily functions and age are topics that some individuals prefer to avoid rather than discuss openly. Will any of the following deflections from the truth cushion the "blow"?
- Instead of going to the bathroom, powder your nose.
- Instead of passing gas or farting, break wind.
- Instead of going to the restroom, go to the ladies' room.
- Instead of going to the bathroom, I'm indisposed.
- Urinate with a tinkling.
- Urinate is ranked first.
- For a bowel movement, go to number two.
- instead of menstruation at a certain period of the month
- Instead of a runny nose, you'll have sniffles.
- aging rather than growing old
- Instead of old age, you'll have golden years.
- Instead of being elderly, you should be experienced.
- instead of ancient, seasoned
Euphemism Examples– Attributes, Characteristics, and Behaviours
You may have been told as a child that if you can't think of anything nice to say, don't say anything. With this in mind, it's usual for people to use euphemisms to express unflattering features or attributes about a person, as well as to characterize undesirable activities.
- Rather than being enormous, he is big-boned.
- Instead of being overweight, you'll be well-fed.
- curvy instead of fat.
- Instead of being short, she is tiny.
- Instead of odd or strange, use unique.
- Rather than complying with expectations, you should be unique.
- Instead of falling behind in class, you're a late bloomer.
- Instead of being dishonest, they are truth-challenged.
- Instead of being late, I'm a touch behind schedule.
- Instead of being aggressive, he is excessive.
- instead of asking many questions, be inquisitive
- Rather than being domineering, she is vocal.
Euphemism Examples– Life's Circumstances
There are various situations in life that are commonly described with euphemisms rather than being addressed directly. Look through a list of euphemisms that can be used to describe a range of situations.
- Instead of a jail or prison, a correctional facility is used.
- instead of being pregnant, in a family setting.
- instead of being pregnant, having a child
- Instead of naked or nude, use au naturel.
- instead of being sick or ill, you may say you're feeling under the weather.
- instead of not here, use unavailable.
- Otherwise, instead of being busy, I'd say I'm occupied.
- otherwise occupied rather than doing anything else
- rather than being misbehaving, they are highly strung.
- Instead of being misbehaving, they are precocious.
Final Thoughts- Don't Be So Literal
These are just a few of the many euphemisms you might come across. You'll definitely notice euphemisms a lot in regular speech and literature now that you're familiar with the term. Consider whether the statement is a euphemism for some other less polite, less attractive word or phrase the next time you or someone you're chatting with says something that has a different meaning than the exact words. If the alternative phrase has a negative meaning instead of a polite, positive one, you're looking at a dysphemism rather than a euphemism.
Do any of these examples strike a chord with you? Perhaps you're considering idioms. Idioms are words or phrases that aren't meant to be taken literally, such as feeling "cold feet" instead of being scared. Examine the following idiom examples to see if you can distinguish between euphemisms and idioms.