Last Updated on October 5, 2021
What is Euphemism? To help you understand what this literary device is and how it is used, this article provides detailed guidance on definitions and examples of Euphemism, and how it can be used in a sentence.
Definition of Euphemism
Euphemism is a figure of speech commonly used to replace a word or phrase that is related to a concept which might make others uncomfortable. Euphemism refers to figurative language designed to replace phrasing that would otherwise be considered harsh, impolite, or unpleasant.
This literary device allows for someone to say what they mean indirectly, without using literal language, as a way of softening the impact of what is being said. The reason for this would be for the sake of politeness, discretion, and other means of mitigating communication. Euphemisms are used for certain abstractions such as death, aging, getting fired, bodily functions, and others.
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Common Examples of Euphemism
There are many common examples of euphemism used in everyday conversation and writing. Here are some well-known uses of this figure of speech:
- porcelain throne (toilet)
- pre-owned (something used)
- bun in the oven (pregnancy)
- number one (urination)
- number two (defecation)
- see a man about a horse (go to the bathroom)
- senior (old)
- gentlemen’s club (strip club)
- economically challenged (poor)
- put to sleep (euthanize)
- between jobs (unemployed)
- upchuck (vomit)
- big-boned (overweight)
- blowing smoke (lying)
- split (divorce)
- enhanced interrogation (torture)
- well-off (rich)
- belch (burp)
- adult entertainment (pornography)
- correctional facility (prison)
- go around the bend (to go insane)
- thin on top (bald)
- had one too many (drunk)
Examples of Euphemism for Death
One of the most common abstractions to be replaced by euphemism is death. Using euphemism to express death and dying may be a way to avoid confronting mortality or to gain some emotional distance from a sad circumstance. Here are some examples of euphemism used to express death or dying:
- Passed away
- Bought The Farm
- Kicked the bucket
- Departed
- Lost
- Gone
- Pushing up daisies
- Resting in peace
- Met untimely demise
- Meet the maker
- Going to a better place
- Six feet under
- Sleeping with the fishes
- Eternal slumber
- Over the rainbow bridge (for pets and animals)
Famous Examples of Euphemism
Euphemism is also found in many famous examples of movie and television quotes, drama, speeches, lyrics, and prose. Here are some famous examples of euphemism and to what they refer:
- “Perhaps we have been guilty of some terminological inexactitudes.” (Winston Churchill, not telling the exact truth)
- “The question is…are you still master of your domain?” (Seinfeld episode about masturbation)
- “I brought juice boxes!” (Will and Grace episode, boxes of wine)
- “Oh, fudge. Only I didn’t say fudge.” (A Christmas Story, profane word)
- “The love shack is a little old place where we can get together.” (Love Shack, B52s, rendezvous place)
- “Gimme some sugar.” (Evil Dead, kiss)
- “Oh no, she’s all there. Too much there is the problem.” (Driving Miss Daisy, an older woman’s mental fitness)
- “I slipped my moorings.” (David Petraeus, extramarital affair)
- “Another bride, another June / Another sunny honeymoon / Another season, another reason / For makin’ whoopee” (Makin’ Whoopee, Ella Fitzgerald, having sex)
- “At least I’m housebroken.” (The Big Lebowski, uses bathroom properly)
Difference Between Euphemism and Political Correctness
Some people may have trouble distinguishing euphemism from political correctness. However, there are distinct differences between the two. For example, whereas people used to use the phrase “disabled person,” it is now considered politically correct to say “person with disabilities.” This change in phrasing is not meant to be euphemistic or an indirect way of expressing something unpleasant or undesirable. Instead, politically correct phrasing is meant to express something in a more direct and respectful way.
Political correctness differs from euphemism in that it is not a figure of speech and does not utilize figurative language. In fact, political correctness is considered avoidance, almost to an extreme, of expressions or actions that people perceive as exclusive, marginal, or insulting to others who face discrimination or disadvantage of some kind. Therefore, the purpose of politically correct phrasing is not to replace words with others that are less offensive or inflammatory. Instead, the goal of political correctness is to avoid such indirect expression altogether.
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