Euphemisms are polite words or phrases used to disguise offensive concepts. They can be categorized into abbreviations, foreign words, abstractions, indications, longer words, technical terms, and mispronounced words. Dysphemisms are the opposite of euphemisms and are offensive substitutes for inoffensive things.
A euphemism is a word or phrase used to disguise a rude or offensive concept. These figures of speech provide a technique for avoiding taboos by being polite. Many euphemisms are so common, we don’t even recognize them as such. Perhaps the best way to learn about euphemisms is to investigate some clever examples:
We are suffering heavy losses (many soldiers are killed)
There is a traffic jam in the river (constipation)
Downsizing, downsizing or firing (getting rid of employees)
Praying at the Porcelain Altar (Putting Down the Toilet)
If something happens to me (if I die)
Sanitary worker (sweeper)
Unplanned landing (plane crash)
Seasickness (seasickness)
They usually fall into one of the following categories:
Abbreviations: BO (body odor), WC (WC)
Foreign words: faux (fake) or faux pas (silly mistake)
Abstractions: before you go (before you die)
Indications: rear end, unmentionable
Longer words: flatulence, sweating, mental problems
Technical terms: gluteus maximus
Mispronounced: darn, shoot
Cacophemism or dysphemism are the opposites of euphemism. A dysphemism is an offensive substitute for something inoffensive. Take for example a lazy person who watches television; she can euphemize his behavior by saying that he is ‘recovering from work’. A related dysphemism, or offensive substitute, would be “couch potato.”
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