Etymology and Meanings of Euphemism
The word “euphemism” literally means “the use of good words” and is derived from the Greek words “eu,” meaning “good,” and “pheme,” meaning “speaking” or “speech.”
The term refers to the use of mild or indirect words or expressions to avoid offense, embarrassment, or unpleasantness. Euphemisms can be used to convey a more positive or polite tone, to soften the impact of difficult messages, or to show respect and sensitivity towards certain topics or individuals.
While euphemisms are often used in everyday language, they are particularly prevalent in contexts such as politics, religion, and death, where direct language might be considered impolite or offensive. Overall, euphemisms play an important role in shaping how we communicate with others and how we understand and respond to different situations.
Euphemism in Grammar
Grammatically, a euphemism is a noun that can take plural forms, just like any other noun. For example, the singular form of the euphemism “passed away” is “passing away”, and its plural form is “passings away”. Similarly, the singular form of the euphemism “restroom” is “restroom”, and its plural form is “restrooms”.
While euphemisms are primarily used as nouns, they can also be used as verbs in certain contexts. For example, the euphemism “downsizing” is commonly used as a verb to describe the act of reducing the size of a company’s workforce. Similarly, the euphemism “transitioning” is commonly used as a verb to describe the process of changing one’s gender identity. However, it’s important to note that not all euphemisms can be used as verbs, and their use as verbs may be more limited than their use as nouns.
Definition of Euphemism
As a literary device, euphemism is the use of a mild or indirect word or expression in place of one that might be considered harsh, blunt, or offensive. Euphemism is used to convey a particular tone or attitude, and to create a particular effect on the reader or audience.
Common Examples of Euphemism
Here are some common examples of euphemisms:
- “Passed away” instead of “died”
- “Bathroom” or “restroom” instead of “toilet”
- “Let go” or “laid off” instead of “fired”
- “Senior citizens” instead of “old people”
- “Sanitation engineer” instead of “garbage collector”
- “Intimately involved” instead of “having sex”
- “Enhanced interrogation” instead of “torture”
- “Undocumented immigrants” instead of “illegal immigrants”
- “Pre-owned” instead of “used”
- “Vertically challenged” instead of “short”
- “Revenue enhancement” instead of “tax increase”
- “Re-education” instead of “brainwashing”
- “Domestic engineer” instead of “housewife”
- “Departed” instead of “dead”
- “Correctional facility” instead of “prison”
- “Economically disadvantaged” instead of “poor”
- “Developmentally challenged” instead of “mentally disabled”
- “Visitor” instead of “salesperson”
- “Collateral damage” instead of “civilian casualties”
- “Alternative facts” instead of “lies”
Literary Examples of Euphemism
- “I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs.” – Iago in Shakespeare’s Othello
Explanation: Iago uses the euphemism “making the beast with two backs” to refer to the sexual activity between Othello and Desdemona.
- “And only yesterday, he reflected, it had been announced that the ration was to be reduced to twenty grammes a week. Was it possible that they could swallow that, after only twenty-four hours? Yes, they swallowed it.” – George Orwell, 1984
Explanation: Orwell uses the euphemism “increased” to refer to the reduction in the ration from thirty to twenty grammes a week.
- “But the effect of her being on those around her was incalculably diffusive: for the growing good of the world is partly dependent on unhistoric acts; and that things are not so ill with you and me as they might have been, is half owing to the number who lived faithfully a hidden life, and rest in unvisited tombs.” – George Eliot, Middlemarch
Explanation: Eliot uses the euphemism “rest in unvisited tombs” to refer to those who have died without recognition or acknowledgement for their good deeds.
- From Brave New World by Aldous Huxley:
“Ending is better than mending. The more stitches, the less riches.”
Explanation: In this excerpt, the phrase “ending is better than mending” is a euphemism for the idea that it is better to replace or dispose of something than to try and repair it. The line reinforces the theme of consumerism and the idea that society values material goods over personal relationships or experiences.
How to Create/Writre a Euphemism
Creating euphemisms involves finding a polite or indirect way to express a potentially sensitive, taboo, or offensive topic. Here are some tips on how to create a euphemism:
- Identify the topic: First, identify the topic or word that you want to soften or avoid. This could be a sensitive subject like death or sex, a taboo word like swear words or slang, or a negative term like “fired” or “fat”.
- Consider the context: Consider the context in which the euphemism will be used. Is it a formal or informal situation? Who is the audience? What is the tone you want to convey?
- Find a suitable replacement: Find a suitable replacement word or phrase that is less offensive or direct. This could involve using a metaphor or analogy, using a more polite or formal term, or using a less specific word.
- Test it out: Test the euphemism with others to see how it is received. Make sure it conveys the intended meaning without causing confusion or offense.
Example: For example, instead of saying “he died,” one might say “he passed away” or “he is no longer with us.” Instead of saying “fat,” one might say “overweight” or “full-figured.” The key is to find a way to express the same idea while being sensitive to the context and audience.
Benefits of Using Euphemism
There are several benefits of using euphemisms in language. Here are some of the key advantages:
- Politeness: Euphemisms allow people to discuss potentially sensitive or taboo topics in a more polite and indirect way. This can help avoid causing offense or discomfort to others.
- Softening harsh language: Euphemisms can soften the impact of harsh or negative language, making it more bearable or less harsh. For example, instead of saying “you’re fired,” one might say “we have to let you go” or “your position has been eliminated.”
- Diplomacy: Euphemisms can be useful in diplomatic or political contexts, where it may be necessary to discuss sensitive topics in a more tactful or indirect way.
- Cultural sensitivity: Euphemisms can be useful in multicultural or multilingual contexts, where different words or phrases may have different connotations or meanings. Using euphemisms can help avoid misunderstandings or offense.
- Creative expression: Euphemisms can be a fun and creative way to express ideas or to play with language. They can add humor, irony, or metaphorical meaning to language.
Overall, euphemisms can be a useful tool in communication, allowing people to express sensitive or negative ideas in a more socially acceptable or less offensive way.
Euphemism in Literary Theory
Euphemism is a literary device that appears in a variety of literary theories. Here are 8 to 10 literary theories that involve euphemism:
- Stylistics: Stylistics is the study of language use in literature, and euphemism is often analyzed in this field. Stylistic analysis might focus on the use of euphemism to create tone or to convey a particular theme.
- Psychoanalytic theory: Psychoanalytic theory explores the unconscious motivations of characters and the way that they relate to social norms. Euphemism can be used to explore repressed desires or fears in literature.
- Feminist theory: Feminist theory examines the ways that gender is constructed and portrayed in literature. Euphemism can be used to subvert traditional gender roles or to explore taboo topics related to gender.
- New Criticism: New Criticism is an approach to literary analysis that emphasizes close reading and the text itself, rather than the author or context. Euphemism might be analyzed in terms of its function within the text, rather than its cultural or social context.
- Deconstruction: Deconstruction is a literary theory that explores the ways that meaning is created and subverted in literature. Euphemism might be analyzed as a way of hiding or revealing meaning, or as a way of challenging linguistic norms.
- Postcolonial theory: Postcolonial theory examines the legacy of colonialism and imperialism in literature. Euphemism might be analyzed as a way of masking or exposing cultural differences, or as a way of subverting colonial power structures.
- Cultural studies: Cultural studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines the ways that culture is produced and consumed. Euphemism might be analyzed in terms of its role in constructing cultural norms or challenging cultural expectations.
- Reader-response theory: Reader-response theory explores the ways that readers interpret and engage with literature. Euphemism might be analyzed in terms of how it affects the reader’s interpretation of the text or their emotional response to it.
- Queer theory: Queer theory is an approach to literary analysis that examines the ways that sexuality and gender identity are portrayed in literature. Euphemism can be used to explore and challenge traditional views of sexuality and gender identity.
- Marxism: Marxism is a theoretical framework that examines the relationship between economic and social structures. Euphemism might be analyzed in terms of its role in maintaining or challenging power structures within society.
Suggested Readings
Allan, Keith and Kate Burridge. Euphemism and Dysphemism: Language Used as Shield and Weapon. Oxford University Press, 1991.
Burridge, Kate. “Euphemism and Language Change: The Sixth and Seventh Ages.” Lexis. Journal in English Lexicology 7 (2012). Croom, Adam. How to Do Things with Logic: An Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking. Wiley-Blackwell, 2010.
You may also read:
1. Fable
2. Figurative Language
3. Eulogy
4. Epitaph