A substitute word or phrase that, while constructed to be socially more acceptable, drastically subtracts from the legitimate intent and purpose of the original.
So, how do we go from 'shell-shock' to 'battle-fatigue', from 'old dude' to 'senior citizen', from 'rape victim' to 'unconsenting intimacy participant'? Because our culture thrives on caustic euphemism: The dumbed-down, homogenized, neutralized language of the mindless majority who want it that way...
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I feel like the book took a more euphemismic approach to explaining the sexual misconduct the young boy had during his promiscuous appetite .
by snowjunky555 February 24, 2010
Get the euphemismic mug.The act or an example of substituting a mild, indirect, or vague term for one considered harsh, blunt, or offensive:
Euphemism is an expression intended by the speaker to be less offensive, disturbing, or troubling to the listener than the word or phrase it replaces, or in the case of doublespeak to make it less troublesome for the speaker.
When a phrase is used as a euphemism, it often becomes a metaphor whose literal meaning is dropped. Euphemisms are often used to hide unpleasant or disturbing ideas, even when the literal term for them is not necessarily offensive. This type of euphemism is used in public relations and politics, where it is sometimes disparagingly called doublespeak. There are also superstitious euphemisms, based (consciously or subconsciously) on the idea that words have the power to bring bad fortune (for example, not speaking the word "cancer"; see Etymology and Common examples below) and religious euphemisms, based on the idea that some words are sacred, or that some words are spiritually imperiling (taboo; see Etymology and Religious euphemisms below).
Euphemism is an expression intended by the speaker to be less offensive, disturbing, or troubling to the listener than the word or phrase it replaces, or in the case of doublespeak to make it less troublesome for the speaker.
When a phrase is used as a euphemism, it often becomes a metaphor whose literal meaning is dropped. Euphemisms are often used to hide unpleasant or disturbing ideas, even when the literal term for them is not necessarily offensive. This type of euphemism is used in public relations and politics, where it is sometimes disparagingly called doublespeak. There are also superstitious euphemisms, based (consciously or subconsciously) on the idea that words have the power to bring bad fortune (for example, not speaking the word "cancer"; see Etymology and Common examples below) and religious euphemisms, based on the idea that some words are sacred, or that some words are spiritually imperiling (taboo; see Etymology and Religious euphemisms below).
The substitution of an agreeable or inoffensive expression to replace one that might offend or suggest something unpleasant, for example, "he is at rest" is a euphemism for "he is dead."
“Euphemisms such as ‘slumber room’ . . . abound in the funeral business”.
“Euphemisms such as ‘slumber room’ . . . abound in the funeral business”.
by UDAI June 11, 2006
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"Your mother and I had meetings between the sheets last fortnight"
When what you want to say is - "I fucked you mamma until she stained the sheets last night, bitch! "
When what you want to say is - "I fucked you mamma until she stained the sheets last night, bitch! "
by Robert Stewart May 13, 2005
Get the euphemism mug."let's just be friends" is nice for "no, I don't want to go out with you. You're a loser." ( euphemism )
by Nevermind Netherlands September 13, 2007
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When used in blogging or chat, "Dated(euphemism)" is used to mock, criticize, or show dislike for a couple who are going out.
The euphemism in parenthesis is a way to give your opinion that there is/was no love in the relationship, but rather it is/was just based on sex and lust.
It is a very mean thing to write about another person, (but funny)
Can be used in present, past, or future tenses
When used in blogging or chat, "Dated(euphemism)" is used to mock, criticize, or show dislike for a couple who are going out.
The euphemism in parenthesis is a way to give your opinion that there is/was no love in the relationship, but rather it is/was just based on sex and lust.
It is a very mean thing to write about another person, (but funny)
Can be used in present, past, or future tenses
A blog:
After John Doe broke up with Jane last week, he Dated (Euphemism) his new neighbor Jessica. Surprisingly, the relationship did not last.
After John Doe broke up with Jane last week, he Dated (Euphemism) his new neighbor Jessica. Surprisingly, the relationship did not last.
by DEL83183 April 19, 2009
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