What Is a Euphemism? (with Examples)

Euphemism

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.

He has died.

She is between jobs.

She is unemployed.

She has resigned her commission.

She has been sacked.

He is a little thin on top.

He is losing his hair.

She is economical with the truth.

She is a liar.

This pre-loved sofa is for sale.

This second-hand sofa is for sale

Here are some euphemisms designed not to offend:

Adam, did you recycle Jack's research?
There's a technicoloured yawn on path.

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

Why Should I Care about Euphemisms?

Consider a euphemism to deliver tough news.

While euphemisms can be used for comic effect, they can also be used to soften tough news or uncomfortable ideas. Euphemisms usually undermine the offensiveness of a negative idea (e.g., death, old age and madness) by being polite, witty or a bit of both. When talking to a grieving widow, for example, a polite euphemism for dead (e.g., passed away, resting in peace) will be more appropriate than a witty one (e.g., kicked the oxygen habit, plucking turnips). You can use well-known euphemisms or even invent your own.