Euphemistic
adjective
Using or being a substitute or less offensive word instead of one considered harsh, blunt, or offensive.
They use the term 'downsizing' as a euphemistic way of saying they are laying off workers.
Often appears as...
- euphemistic term
- euphemistic language
adjective
Using or being a substitute or less offensive word instead of one considered harsh, blunt, or offensive.
They use the term 'downsizing' as a euphemistic way of saying they are laying off workers.
Often appears as...
- euphemistic term
- euphemistic language
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Offense Avoidance
Euphemistic language tactfully replaces words that might upset or offend someone with milder alternatives.
Saying 'passed away' instead of 'died' is euphemistic.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Softening
The use of euphemistic terms can subtly change the emotional impact of a conversation or statement.
Discussing 'correctional facilities' rather than 'prisons' has a euphemistic softening effect.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Sensitivity
Certain euphemisms vary by culture; understanding local euphemistic language helps in effective communication.
In the UK, 'let go' is a euphemistic phrase for being fired.
Pro Tip 1/3Offense Avoidance
Euphemistic language tactfully replaces words that might upset or offend someone with milder alternatives.
Saying 'passed away' instead of 'died' is euphemistic.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Softening
The use of euphemistic terms can subtly change the emotional impact of a conversation or statement.
Discussing 'correctional facilities' rather than 'prisons' has a euphemistic softening effect.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Sensitivity
Certain euphemisms vary by culture; understanding local euphemistic language helps in effective communication.
In the UK, 'let go' is a euphemistic phrase for being fired.
Pro Tip 1/3Offense Avoidance
Euphemistic language tactfully replaces words that might upset or offend someone with milder alternatives.
Saying 'passed away' instead of 'died' is euphemistic.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Softening
The use of euphemistic terms can subtly change the emotional impact of a conversation or statement.
Discussing 'correctional facilities' rather than 'prisons' has a euphemistic softening effect.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Sensitivity
Certain euphemisms vary by culture; understanding local euphemistic language helps in effective communication.
In the UK, 'let go' is a euphemistic phrase for being fired.
Never forget "Euphemistic"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
Video examples
Why we need to end the...
They're children from poor families. So if the vast majority of children living in orphanages are not orphans, then the term "orphanage" is really just a euphemistic name for a residential care institution.
Video examples
How Black Climbers Are...
mountaineering people of african descent are are underrepresented you know and and underrepresented is a euphemistic word to describe how scarce black people really are in the sport
Video examples
Why we need to end the...
They're children from poor families. So if the vast majority of children living in orphanages are not orphans, then the term "orphanage" is really just a euphemistic name for a residential care institution.
Video examples
How Black Climbers Are...
mountaineering people of african descent are are underrepresented you know and and underrepresented is a euphemistic word to describe how scarce black people really are in the sport
Example 1 of 2
Quote examples
Susie Dent
English Scientist
Slang has different functions: many of the words we use are playful and a lot are tribal - we speak the same way as the groups we are part of. A great deal are also euphemistic, so it's no surprise that a third of us are perplexed by their meanings and origins.
Quote examples
Joseph Wood Krutch
American Environmentalist
Any euphemism ceases to be euphemistic after a time and the true meaning begins to show through. It's a losing game, but we keep on trying.
Quote examples
Susie Dent
English Scientist
Slang has different functions: many of the words we use are playful and a lot are tribal - we speak the same way as the groups we are part of. A great deal are also euphemistic, so it's no surprise that a third of us are perplexed by their meanings and origins.
Quote examples
Joseph Wood Krutch
American Environmentalist
Any euphemism ceases to be euphemistic after a time and the true meaning begins to show through. It's a losing game, but we keep on trying.
Example 1 of 2
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension