Euphemism : Euphemism Definition,Techniques for Creating Euphemism,Function of Euphemism,Types of Euphemisms. ~ Minangkabau Boy

Euphemism

Euphemism Definition

The term euphemism refers to polite, indirect expressions which replace words and phrases considered harsh and impolite or which suggest something unpleasant.

Euphemism is an idiomatic expression which loses its literal meanings and refers to something else in order to hide its unpleasantness. For example, “kick the bucket” is a euphemism that describes the death of a person. In addition, many organizations use the term “downsizing” for the distressing act of “firing” its employees.

A euphemism /ˈjufəˌmɪzəm/ is a generally innocuous word or expression used in place of one that may be found offensive or suggest something unpleasant.^[1] Some euphemisms are intended to amuse; while others use bland, inoffensive terms for things the user wishes to downplay. Euphemisms are used to refer to taboo topics (such as disability, sex, excretion, and death) in a polite way, or to mask profanity.^[2]
There are three antonyms of euphemism: dysphemism, cacophemism, and loaded language. Dysphemism can be either offensive or merely ironic; cacophemism is deliberately offensive. Loaded language evokes a visceral response beyond the meaning of the words. (WikipediA)

Techniques for Creating Euphemism

Euphemism masks a rude or impolite expression but conveys the concept clearly and politely. Several techniques are employed to create euphemism.

It may be in the form of abbreviations e.g. B.O. (body odor), W.C. (toilet) etc.
Foreign words may be used to replace an impolite expression e.g. faux (fake), or faux pas (foolish error) etc.
Sometimes, they are abstractions e.g. before I go (before I die).
They may also be indirect expressions replacing direct ones which may sound offensive e.g. rear-end, unmentionables etc.
Using longer words or phrases can also mask unpleasant words e.g. flatulence for farting, perspiration for sweat, mentally challenged for stupid etc.
Using technical terms may reduce the rudeness exhibited by words e.g. gluteus maximus.
Deliberately mispronouncing an offensive word may reduce its severity e.g. darn, shoot etc.

Function of Euphemism

Euphemism helps writers to convey those ideas which have become a social taboo and are too embarrassing to mention directly. Writers skillfully choose appropriate words to refer to and discuss a subject indirectly which otherwise are not published due to strict social censorship e.g. religious fanaticism, political theories, sexuality, death etc. Thus, euphemism is a useful tool that allows writers to write figuratively about the libelous issues.

Types of Euphemisms

1. To Soften an Expression - Some euphemisms are used to make a blunt or obnoxious truth seem less hard.
Examples:

Passed away instead of died
Differently-abled instead of handicapped or disabled
Relocation center instead of prison camp

2. Euphemisms to be Polite - Some euphemisms are used to take the place of words or phrases one might not want to say in polite circle.
Examples:

Adult beverages instead of beer or liquor
Big-boned instead of heavy or overweight
Vertically-challenged instead of short

3. Euphemisms to be Impolite - euphemisms are intentionally a callous or insensitive way of saying something. These euphemisms are usually used when being sarcastic or trying to make light of a serious subject or make it seem less serious.
Example: