Answers.com > Wiki Answers > Categories > Literature & Language > Languages and Cultures > English Language > Definitions and Word Differences > What are euphemisms?

What are euphemisms?

In: Definitions and Word Differences [Edit categories]

Answer:

Euphemism is the replacing of words by inoffensive or polite substitutes. Words are referred to as euphemisms when they provide a socially or politically correct means of expressing a private, awkward, or controversial subject.

(see examples at the related question and link)

First answer by Dfoofnik. Last edit by Dfoofnik. Contributor trust: 2558 [recommend contributor ]. Question popularity: 37 [recommend question].

[report abuse]

Sources and related links: [Edit]

Common Euphemisms (Wikipedia)

Can you answer these Definitions and Word Differences questions?

	What does the word case mean?	Answer it!
	What does the root lament mean?	Answer it!
	Does conglomerate have gritty feeling?	Answer it!
	What the definition for iron triad?	Answer it!
	What is single source precursor?	Answer it!

Relevant answers:

What is euphemisms?
A euphemism is a word you use to make something sound less offensive or bad. For example, instead of saying, "That girl is a stripper," you might say "That girl is an exotic dancer." Exotic dancer...
What is euphemism?
1. the substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for one thought to be offensive, harsh, or blunt.2.the expression so substituted: "To pass away" is a euphemism for "to die."
What is Euphemism of can?
"Can" is slang for "fire," as in to let go from a job. It may be related to "throw in the (trash) can." Technically this usage isn't a euphemism, as it isn't meant to soften the blow.
What are euphemism's?
Euphemism is deliberately trying to change words or sentences that are comparatively softer In an email, words such as blind, diseased, or handicapped should be avoided while addressing the people...
What is a euphemism for corpse?
Euphemisms for "dead" include loved one, deceased, departed, or passed away. A corpse might be "remains" or "mortal shell".