euphemism

A noun referring to a mild, indirect, or vague word or expression used to substitute for one that is considered too harsh, blunt, or offensive.

• 🇩🇪Substantiv, das ein mildes, indirektes oder unbestimmtes Wort oder einen Ausdruck bezeichnet, das/der anstelle von etwas verwendet wird, das als zu hart, direkt oder anstößig gilt. Ebenso die sprachliche Erscheinung oder der Stil selbst, solche beschönigenden Ersatzausdrücke zu verwenden.

1. Mild or indirect expression B2 formal

   A mild or indirect word or phrase used to replace one that is considered too harsh, blunt, or offensive.

   • 'Passed away' is a common euphemism for 'died'.
   • He used a euphemism to avoid saying the job was boring.
   • The government's 'collateral damage' is a euphemism for civilian casualties.

   🇩🇪Euphemismus

   Synonyme: circumlocutionevasionsofteningsubstitutionunderstatement

   Antonyme: dysphemism

2. Polite substitute B2 formal

   A word or phrase used in polite conversation to avoid taboo or sensitive topics.

   • 'Let go' is a euphemism for being fired from a job.
   • She used a euphemism to describe her weight gain.
   • 'Adult entertainment' is a euphemism for pornography.

   🇩🇪Euphemismus

   Synonyme: circumlocutionperiphrasissubstituteunderstatement

• euphemisms plural form
• euphemisms' possessive plural form
• euphemism's possessive singular form