What Is a Euphemism? (with Examples)
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 |
See Also
What is figurative language? What is a figure of speech? What does literal meaning mean? What is a metaphor? What is a simile? What is personification? What is hyperbole? What is an idiom? What is alliteration? What is assonance? What is consonance? What is a logosglyph? What is onomatopoeia? Glossary of grammatical terms
