What Is a Euphemism? (with Examples)

A euphemism is the use of agreeable or inoffensive words to replace rude or offensive ones.

A euphemism is a figure of speech and an example of figurative language.

Examples of Euphemisms

Here are some examples of common euphemisms:

• He has passed away.
(Euphemism for He has died.)
• He is between jobs.
(Euphemism for He is unemployed.)
• He has resigned his commission.
(Euphemism for He has been sacked.)
• He is a little thin on top.
(Euphemism for He is losing his hair.)

More Examples of Common Euphemisms

Here are some more commonly used euphemisms:

Euphemism	Meaning
a few sandwiches short of a picnic	mad
cognitively challenged	stupid
didn’t make it	has died
differently abled	disabled
exotic dancer	stripper
kicked the bucket	has died
knocked up	is pregnant
letting you go	you're fired
lost his marbles	mad
over the hill	too old to function effectively
visually challenged	visually impaired