euphemism

noun

eu·​phe·​mism ˈyü-fə-ˌmi-zəm How to pronounce euphemism (audio)
: the substitution of an agreeable or inoffensive expression for one that may offend or suggest something unpleasant
also : the expression so substituted
euphemist noun
euphemistic adjective
euphemistically adverb

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Euphemism comes from Greek eúphēmos, which means "uttering sounds of good omen," "fair-sounding," or "auspicious." The first part of that root is the prefix eu-, meaning "good."  The second part is phēmos, a Greek word for "speech."

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How and Why We Use Euphemisms

Euphemisms can take different forms, but they all involve substituting a word or phrase considered to be less offensive than another. The substituted word might, for example, be viewed as a less coarse choice, as when dang or darn is used instead of damn or damned. Or it might replace a word viewed as insulting to a religious figure, such as the various euphemisms for God (gad, gadzooks, gosh) or Jesus (gee, jeepers, jeez). A euphemism may also consist of an indirect softening phrase that is substituted for the straightforward naming of something unpalatable. Thus, we hear of people being “let go” rather than “fired”; civilians killed in war described as “collateral damage”; or someone who has died having “kicked the bucket,” “passed away, “given up the ghost,” or “joined one’s ancestors.”

Examples of euphemism in a Sentence

Cougar is the euphemism for a woman who has reached mid-life, who is single, financially secure and on the lookout for relationships with younger men—as in "prey." Kerry Gold, Vancouver Sun, 17 Feb. 2001
Spin is sometimes dismissed as a simple euphemism for lying. But it's actually something more insidious: indifference to the truth. Michael Kinsley, Time, 25 Dec. 2000–1 Jan. 2001
"Invigorating" is the euphemism we use most often to describe the chilly waters off the coast, but knowledgeable Maine boaters know where to find the warmer, tidal waters just right for a midsummer dip. Ken Textor, Down East, August 2001
If you are "let go," "separated," "terminated" or whatever euphemism the company uses for "clean-out-your-desk-and-be-gone," remember that you do have rights. Elsie Maclay, First for Women, July 1989
using “eliminate” as a euphemism for “kill”
Recent Examples on the Web Indeed, people are often hired or promoted to leadership roles because of their social capital (a euphemism for nepotism), Machiavellian tactics of manipulation, narcissism, and confidence rather than competence. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Executives are using all kinds of euphemisms to avoid being straightforward with their employees. Charlotte Hampton, Fortune, 10 Feb. 2024 As with all euphemisms, the title of Todd Haynes’ new film sounds cute, almost quaint…while hiding a strange darkness underneath. EW.com, 17 Nov. 2023 Some clinics have resorted to stashing lubricants out of sight or using euphemisms to refer to them. Apoorva Mandavilli Esther Ruth Mbabazi, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2024 Amid the shock over Hamas’ devastating Oct. 7 cross-border assault, Israeli officials have used many different terms and euphemisms for their war aims in Gaza. Neri Zilber, The Christian Science Monitor, 17 Oct. 2023 My business with them is to take them out individually on little visits (my euphemism) for two or three weeks to various flocks of ewes. The New Yorker, 4 Dec. 2023 Not officially, of course; at this stage, the fact that Hayes will be the next coach of the U.S. women’s team is merely an open secret, a fait accompli that must — for now — remain swaddled by a warm blanket of euphemism. Rory Smith, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2023 The various other panelists took refuge in euphemism. Joel Khalili, WIRED, 30 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'euphemism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin euphēmismus, borrowed from Greek euphēmismós "substitution of an auspicious word for an inauspicious one," from euphēmízesthai "to use words of good omen" (from eúphēmos "uttering sounds of good omen, fair-sounding, auspicious" + -izesthai, middle voice of -izein -ize) + -ismos -ism; eúphēmos from eu- eu- + -phēmos, nominal derivative, with a suffixal -m-, from the base of phēmí, phánai "to say, speak" — more at ban entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1681, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of euphemism was circa 1681

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Dictionary Entries Near euphemism

Cite this Entry

“Euphemism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/euphemism. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

euphemism

noun
eu·​phe·​mism ˈyü-fə-ˌmiz-əm How to pronounce euphemism (audio)
: the substitution of a mild or pleasant expression for one that is too strong or unpleasant
also : a mild or pleasant expression so substituted
"pass away" is a widely used euphemism for die
euphemistic adjective
euphemistically adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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