Euphemism 

Sometimes spelled with an f, as in eufemism.

Trying to make the mean things you say sound nicer (example 2) or making a mild comment you make sound even worse by adding you were just using an euphemism (example 1).

1.
Jack: o my God, I really hate that Grace-woman! Why is she coming over instead of DROPPING DEAD?
Karen: o come on, she's not that bad.
Jack: she is! And I'm telling her, just wait.
Grace: hi guys!
Jack: I'm really sorry, Grace, but I just don't like you very much. And that is really just an euphemism. Bye bye now!
Grace: o my God! I'm outta here!

2.
Pete: okay, well, it's not the best painting in the world...
Joan: yeah, nice euphemism, Pete. This is without a doubt the worst painting I have ever seen. Seriously, even a two-year-old would do a much better job!

Euphemism by Maresa August 29, 2007

EUphemism 

Substitution of a harsher expression like European Union with a kindlier one like EUphemism.

To put it bluntly, do not not use EUphemism.

EUphemism by Hercolena Oliver March 23, 2009

euphemism 

(noun) a euphemism for lies or propaganda

Structural adjustment is a euphemism for a limited state designed to service the market and undermine popular mandates.

euphemism by flexicographer April 13, 2021

Euphemism 

"The West"

Hym "It's a euphemism for 'How things work currently.' It works for establishments conservatives (all conservatives) just fine and it works less well for people who aren't incest cultists. It works for establishment liberals (like Destiny) but 'MY friend wants to be chicks with dicks and it doesn't work for her' and it works TOO WELL for the conservatives for their liking. This is their real motivation. It isn't perpetually at risk of being destroyed. It isn't racist. It's either working fine for you or it's not. And the only reason any what's control of it is so that they can people the one who decide who it works for and how it doesn't. You have no principles. You're not moral. You are what you are."

Euphemism by Hym Iam August 24, 2024

Euphemism Treadmill

A euphemism is a term or a phrase used by individuals to refer to a controversial topic as overwhelmingly inoffensive as possible, as opposed to being politically incorrect (aka "enthusiastically offensive").

Unfortunately, the overuse of a euphemism will eventually devolve its meaning to the extent that itself becomes politically incorrect and will have to be replaced with another euphemism. This is a sociolinguistic phenomenon to as the "euphemism treadmill".

The term "mental retardation" was once a euphemism and politically correct term used to describe stupidity. The previous term was imbecile which was an actual medical category which comprised of idiots (IQ 0 to 25), imbeciles (IQ 26 to 50), and morons (IQ 51 to 70).

Over time, mental retardation and its associated verb "retard" became as corrupted as "imbecile" and "idiot" and was eventually replaced with "intellectual disability". It is now only a matter of time when being "disabled" is offensive and once again, slides down the euphemism treadmill.

Euphemism Treadmill by Ἀπολλύων October 21, 2016

euphemism treadmill

The process by which a pejorative term is replaced by a more politically correct term, only to over time be corrupted and used pejoratively itself until a new term is introduced, upon which the cycle repeats itself.

So named because walking on a treadmill gives you the illusion of going somewhere, when actually not making any progress. Basically a form of political correctness masturbation.

The best example of a euphemism treadmill is the word "retarded", which was originally adopted as a more apt and kinder alternative to previous medical terms such as "moron", "imbecile", and "idiot".

"Retarded" is currently considered a pejorative insult, so new terms have been invented such as "special needs" and "intellectualy disabled" , which will in time become pejorative insults themselves. Thus retarded SJW's, downie parents, and the self-righteous will always have something to bitch about.

euphemism treadmill by Frank Marlowe May 12, 2016

caustic euphemism 

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...

caustic euphemism by YAWA August 18, 2019