euphemism

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

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈjuː.fəˌmɪz.əm/

Etymology

Recorded since 1656; from Ancient Greek εὐφημισμός (euphēmismós), from εὐφημίζω (euphēmízō), from εὔφημος (eúphēmos, “uttering sound of good omen, abstaining from inauspicious words”), from εὖ (eû, “well”) + φήμη (phḗmē, “a voice, a prophetic voice, rumor, talk”), from φημί (phēmí, “to speak, say”).

Synonyms

circumlocution

indirectness

litotes

eulogistic name

euphemistic expression

polite term

bafflegab

softened expression

Translations

euphémisme

Euphemismus

eufemismo

eufemismo

eufemismo

eufemisme

ευφημισμός

eufemisme

eufemizm

euphemismus

edebikelam

Verbrämung

verbloeming

Hehlwort

Hüllwort