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
Get the Euphemisms mug.by Sexydimma July 23, 2021
Get the Euphemisms mug.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".
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.
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.
by Ἀπολλύων October 21, 2016
Get the Euphemism Treadmill mug.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.
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.
"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.
by Frank Marlowe May 12, 2016
Get the euphemism treadmill mug.1. the substitution of a milder, vaguer word or expression for one considered to be offensive or unpleasant.
2. the word or expression so substituted.
2. the word or expression so substituted.
"Put to sleep" is a euphemism for "kill".
by ed January 19, 2003
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Get the Eupheminism mug.A person who is mature enough to speak inoffensively even when abused. He is capable of telling harsh truths and abuse back without actually using offensive words.
A Euphemist is the coolest guy there is amongst adversities.
A Euphemist, when consistent, goes a long way in life & succeed in commanding people and being popular.
Also, a Euphemist is subtle in his ways & everyone cannot understand him.
A Euphemist is the coolest guy there is amongst adversities.
A Euphemist, when consistent, goes a long way in life & succeed in commanding people and being popular.
Also, a Euphemist is subtle in his ways & everyone cannot understand him.
"I just tried abusing a euphemist. The guy talks so much sense that I had to apologize to him"
"Damn that euphemist. Its impossible to win over him."
"Damn that euphemist. Its impossible to win over him."
by krishkr September 18, 2010
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