Definition: Euphemism

From New World Encyclopedia

Etymology

Recorded since 1656; from Ancient Greek εá½Ï†Î·Î¼Î¹ÏƒÎ¼ÏŒÏ‚ or euphÄ“mismós, from εá½Ï†Î·Î¼Î¯Î¶Ï‰ or euphÄ“mízÅ, from εὔφημος or eúphÄ“mos (uttering sound of good omen, abstaining from inauspicious words), from εὖ or eû (well) + φήμη or phḗmÄ“ (a voice, a prophetic voice, rumor, talk), from φημί or phÄ“mí (to speak, say).

Noun

euphemism (countable and uncountable, plural euphemisms)

  1. (uncountable) The use of a word or phrase to replace another one that is considered more offensive, blunt or vulgar than the word or phrase by which it is replaced.
  2. (countable) A word or phrase that replaces another in this way.

Derived terms

  • euphemism treadmill

Related terms

  • euphemistic

Credits

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