Dictionaries define euphamism as:
a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing- always hated to start with that... oh, well.
You've probably heard the word 'casulties' on the news that's referred to war-related deaths, or 'downsizing' for the cuts. That's right. An unwanted child is an 'accident', and a mental hospital is an 'Acorn Academy' "where you consign a nut"! You may think euphamism appeared as the Political Correctness started to become a "thing", but you're wrong. DEAD WRONG! What if I told you Shakspeare was a big fan of it, hmm? See for yourself.
Winter garments must be lined, So must slender Rosaline.
Yup. He's talkin' about S-E-X which to some - I believe - is a four-letter-word. So, next time ya hear 'runoff,' 'throw the leg,' or 'Gee whiz' you'll know what you're dealing with.
Now, I'd love to hear some of your personal favorites.
P.S. Using old-timey video game font on a Victorian drawing... yes I'm aware of the irony. -_-
Comments
Euphemisms!! I HATE them!! Get on my nerves!!! Make me sick!!! arghthgajsljlskdfjlafjlajsldfjlasjf!!!!
Oh, but look at that naughty Shakespeare! Who could have said it, haha... So bad nobody suggested euphemisms to Marquis de Sade too XD
I understand that, sometimes, the stupid euphemisms can be motivated to show kindness, respect and empathy. This usuallly happens when talkin' about personal problems, death or mental/physical conditions. But other times (in politics, mainly) they are clearly used to manipulate or to try to hide the truth. Just as the great George Orwell said: "to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable". I especially HATE when they are used like this.
I can't remember to make use of euphemisms if it's not in a sarcastic/humorous context, that make their use even more ridiculous. So, I'm afraid that here I just can tell some that I hate (and that I can remember right now, 'cause the list is too long). For instance, to talk about 'Collateral damage' when some innocent civilians have been KILLED (a murder/crime, no matter if it happens in a war zone). Or when a military attack is called 'intervention'. And a new one very used lately in my country: to say the spanish short 'MENA' (a word that means nothing just said it like this) when talkin' about unaccompanied migrant minors. A very evil euphemism, used mainly by the right and extreme right party, to criminalize youngsters and spread hate towards a minority who are just kids in a very vulnerable situation.
There are many others but I'm already getting mad just thinkin' about it :(((
I really hate them, even if they are well meaning... Because it's like not talkin' clear and try to avoid a reality. I'm of the opinion that I rather hear an ugly truth than a beautiful lie.
Agreed. 100%. Thanks for your candid opinion. I hate sugarcoating. Bluntness all the way for this gal.
LOL!
I have forgotten the following Euphemism.
Look at this one! To spend a penny instead of Having to go to the loo.
'What is it if you go #2?'
'A pound?'
Lol! You may spend as much as you want.
My #2 is a 4 or a 5 sometimes. I'll go bankrupt.
Lol! You poor guy!
Hi, A738a
Examples of Euphemism we use in German
"Advice-resistant" instead of unreasonable, persistent, stupid
"Consumer information" instead of advertising
"Internal security" instead of government surveillance
"Bless the temporal" instead of dying
"Third teeth" instead of artificial teeth
"In other circumstances" instead of pregnant
"Quiet place" instead of toilet
"Customer information" instead of advertising
"Entry-level model" instead of a version with limited functions
"Zero growth" instead of standstill or stagnation
"Far from education" instead of uneducated
"Interruption of pregnancy" instead of abortion
"Soft targets" instead of soldiers or people
"Military conflict" instead of war
Thanks, Rose. Some of them are just hilarious. The 'far from education' one killed me.
Haha...you are lucky because you are NOT far from education. If you were, you wouldn't have understood it.
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