euphemisema

A severe malady of the throat/lungs caused by the over-use of euphemisms. More serious than emphasisema --- a somewhat-similar but less-acute/chronic coughing/wheezing condition caused by habitually speaking urgently/loudly about unimportant topics --- it is generally only treatable by diligently avoiding all forms of "meaningless adjectives", even the "milder" or "imitation" phrases.

Although euphemisema is a serious disease, it is still morally-preferable to using actual swear words, since this can cause even more horrid effects on those within earshot. Therefore is it less selfish to"take one for the team" and get sick yourself , rather than searing others' tender eardrums with a perpetual potty-mouth.

euphemisema by QuacksO October 4, 2017

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

euphemism 

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.

"Put to sleep" is a euphemism for "kill".

euphemism by ed January 19, 2003

euphemism 

A word people use because they like deceiving themselves to believe we live in a Utopia.

Mostly they're used by organizations and "considerate" people who don't want to offend the "situationally disturbed" citizens.

George Carlin, a comedian, did a great schpiel about euphemisms once. (A few of the following examples are in his speech.)

You should read it. It may not "open your eyes," but you'll realize how much we like to disguise our speech and blind ourselves. Disguising a condition with nicer, longer words doesn't change the fact that you still have the condition. Sorry.

(Note: Not all examples {e.g. black/white} are "conditions" or negative at all}

IMO, There's nothing wrong with most of the following conditions; they just warrant a euphemism because society can't accept reality. Many are unavoidable.
I just call 'em like I see em.

Nobody:
is old, they're elderly senior citizens.
is gay, they're homosexual.
is poor, they're in poverty.
is black, they're African American.
is white, they're Caucasian.
is fat, they're obese.
is a slut, they're promiscuous.
is crippled, they're handicapped.
is deaf, they're hearing impaired.
is blind, they're visually impaired.
is retarded, they're mentally challenged.
is short, they're vertically challenged.
is stupid, they're academically challenged.

I could go on.

euphemism by ~The Nameless One~ December 28, 2005

euphemism 

a less direct word used to refer to something unpleasant or embarrassing, often so as to avoid offence.

it was a euphemism for ignorance.

euphemism by it's d queen June 5, 2020

euphemism 

trying to make the mean things you say sound nicer by using different words

"let's just be friends" is nice for "no, fuck off"

euphemism by the koz October 24, 2003