Euphemism

Have you ever seen an older film and heard one of the characters say, "I need to freshen up in the powder room?" Whether or not you have, we come in contact with euphemisms like "powder room" every day. A euphemism is a figure of speech that replaces a word, phrase, or idea that indirectly conveys a concept that might make others uncomfortable. While the terms bathroom and restroom might not make others uncomfortable, "powder room" is a phrase many believe places a more pleasant image in mind when used.

Euphemism Definition

A euphemism is a type of figurative language that lessens an uncomfortable topic's harshness, impoliteness, or unpleasantness. Euphemisms are often used when discussing topics such as death, uncomfortable workplace matters, sex, aging, or bodily functions. It allows the speaker to say what they mean indirectly, thus weakening the often severe nature of the matter, especially to others in the conversation.

In What Situations are Euphemisms Typically Used?

Euphemisms are typically used in three situations– in times of mitigation, avoidance, and occasionally for rhetorical purposes.

Mitigation

As previously mentioned, euphemisms can soften the blow of bad news or difficult conditions. For example, when the government explains US economic decline, words like “recession” or “disinflation” are used instead of speaking literally. Similarly, euphemisms can be easily cited in ads, like when cars are not listed as “used” but rather “certified pre-owned.”

Avoidance

Euphemisms are probably most commonly used to avoid the awkwardness of a certain topic or situation. For example, instead of saying that someone was fired, oftentimes, the phrase “let go” is used. Similarly, the term “passed away” is employed when discussing death.

Rhetoric

Euphemism can also be used as a rhetorical device, often for aesthetic gain, again, to avoid harsher or more blunt terminology. It allows authors to speak about possibly taboo or embarrassing subjects without addressing them directly. Additionally, many types of euphemisms fall under rhetorical literary devices, which will be explored in the next section of this article.

Types of Euphemisms

There are many types of euphemisms, all of which can be used in the mitigation, abstraction, and rhetorical situations discussed above. Let's examine each type in depth.

Abstraction

Importance of Euphemism

Euphemisms can be a very useful literary device. Euphemisms can be manipulated in many ways, from lessening the gravity of a situation to saving a conversation from embarrassment. Perhaps to demonstrate how significant euphemisms are, consider if euphemisms were not used in literature. Look at the commonly used euphemisms listed below and think about what is actually being said. Then consider how appropriate it would–or wouldn't–be if the euphemism's literal meaning was used in a literary context, with children, or in a public arena.

Fig. 2 - Authors like Shakespeare and George Orwell have used euphemisms for an extremely long time, both of whom will be discussed below.

10 Common Euphemisms

"golden years"

My grandmother is in her golden years of age. vs. My grandmother is old.

"secondhand"

I bought a couch secondhand. vs. I bought a used couch.

"under the weather"

I'm feeling really under the weather. vs. I'm feeling really sick.

"sleeping with"

Did you hear they're sleeping together? vs. Did you hear they're having sexual intercourse?

"break wind"

Oh no, someone broke wind. vs. Oh no, someone farted.

"passed away"

My aunt recently passed away. vs. My aunt recently died.

"put down"

The vet had to put down my rabbit. vs. The vet had to euthanize my rabbit.

"going to 'powder your nose'"

I'm going to powder my nose. vs. I'm going to the toilet.

"between jobs"I'm between jobs at the moment. vs. I'm out of work right now.

"economical"

He's very economical. vs. He's very cheap.

"well-off"

She's quite well-off, right? vs. She's quite rich, right?

As a society, we consider politeness to be a very important value. Euphemisms allow uncomfortable conversations to occur without compromising the subject matter.

Are there Disadvantages to Euphemisms?

At their core, euphemisms are evasive and can sometimes appear insincere. Though not all euphemisms are necessarily dishonest, they can inhibit clear communication. Not everyone may know what a euphemism means, and, like idioms, it can be challenging to learn if English is not one's first language. Though comforting, it is always good to remember that euphemisms work to evade the uncomfortable truth of the matter at hand.

Euphemism Examples in Literature

Below you will find some examples of euphemisms within literature.

George Orwell's 1984 (1949)

This quote from George Orwell's novel 1984 is a form of litotes. To placate the people, the names of each of the mentioned ministries portray a sense of goodness, though the purpose of each ministry does not truly align with their assumed purpose.

Shakespeare's Macbeth (1623)

In this short excerpt, Lady Macbeth explains that King Duncan must be murdered. However, she says this using the words "must be provided for" in Line 5. In this context, Lady Macbeth's euphemism both lessens the severity of murder and cleverly conceals the true meaning of her plans.

Shakespeare uses many euphemisms in his work, like the example below.

Shakespeare's Anthony and Cleopatra (1607)

Here, Shakespeare is referring to Queen Cleopatra having sexual intercourse and then shortly after becoming pregnant. Again, the language used by Shakespeare is less direct and, in some aspects, more polite for that time.