Euphemism

Euphemism Definition
The term euphemism refers to polite, oblique expressions that update words and phrases taken into consideration harsh and impolite, or which advise something unpleasant. Euphemism is an idiomatic expression, which loses its literal meanings and refers to something else, a good way to conceal its unpleasantness. For example, “kick the bucket” is a euphemism that describes the dying of a person. In addition, many agencies use the time period “downsizing” for the distressing act of “firing” its employees.

Euphemism depends in large part at the social context of the speakers and writers, in which they experience the need to update positive words which can prove embarrassing for unique listeners or readers in a particular situation.

Techniques for Creating Euphemism
Euphemism mask a impolite or impolite expression, but conveys the concept honestly and politely. Several strategies are employed to create euphemism.

It can be in the form of abbreviations, which include O. (body odor), and W.C. (toilet).
Foreign words can be used to update an impolite expression, along with fake (fake), or fake pas (silly error).
Sometimes, they are abstractions, such as earlier than I go (before I die).
They will also be oblique expressions changing direct ones which could sound offensive, together with rear-end (one’s back aspect or buttocks), unmentionables (underclothes or lingerie).
Using longer words or phrases also can mask ugly words, which include flatulence (farting), perspiration (sweat), or mentally challenged (stupid).
Using technical phrases may lessen the rudeness exhibited by sure words, including gluteus maximus (backside, butt, or buttocks).
Deliberately mispronouncing an offensive word may lessen its severity, including darn (damn), and shoot (shit).
Euphemism Examples in Everyday Life
Euphemism is frequently used in everyday life. Let us study some common euphemism examples:

You are getting a touch skinny on top (bald).
Our teacher is in the family way (pregnant).
He is a bit tipsy (drunk).
We do not rent mentally challenged (stupid) people.
He is a unique child (disabled or mastering challenged).
Examples of Euphemism in Literature
Example #1: Othello (By William Shakespeare)
Examples of euphemism referring to sex are observed in William Shakespeare’s Othello. In Act 1, Scene 1, Iago tells Brabantio:

“I am one, sir, that comes to inform you your daughter and the Moor are actually making the beast with backs.”

Here, the expression “making the beast with backs” refers to the act of getting intercourse.

Example #2: Antony and Cleopatra (By William Shakespeare)
Similarly, we word Shakespeare the use of euphemism for sexual intercourse in his play Antony and Cleopatra.” In Act 2, Scene 2, Agrippa says approximately Cleopatra:

“Royal wench!
She made extremely good Caesar lay his sword to bed.
He plowed her, and he or she cropped.”

The word “plowed” refers back to the act of sexual intercourse, and the phrase “cropped” is a euphemism for becoming pregnant.

Example #3: The Flea (By John Donne)
John Donne, in his poem The Flea, employs euphemism. He says:

“Mark but this flea, and mark on this,
How little that which thou denies me is;
It suck’d me first, and now sucks thee,
And on this flea our bloods mingled be.
Thou know’st that this cannot be said
A sin, nor shame, nor loss of maidenhead;
Yet this enjoys earlier than it woo,
And pamper’d swells with one blood manufactured from two;
And this, alas! Is more than we might do.”

In order to steer his cherished to sleep with him, the speaker within the poem tells her how a flea bit each of them and their blood got mixed in it. This is a euphemism.

Example #4: Animal Farm (By George Orwell)
The Squealer, a individual in George Orwell’s Animal Farm, uses euphemisms to assist the pigs obtain their political ends. To announce the reduction of food to the animals of the farm, he says:

“For the time being,” he explains, “it had been found vital to make a readjustment of rations.”

Substituting the phrase “discount” for “readjustment” changed into an try to suppress the proceedings of other animals about hunger. It works due to the fact reduction means “cutting” the food supply, while readjustment implies changing the contemporary quantity of food.

Function of Euphemism
Euphemism facilitates writers bring those thoughts that have grow to be a social taboo, and are too embarrassing to say directly. Writers skillfully pick appropriate phrases to consult and speak a topic in a roundabout way that otherwise may not published due to strict social censorship, consisting of for reasons of non secular fanaticism, political theories, sexuality, and demise. Thus, euphemism is a useful device that permits writers to write figuratively about the hard issues.
Eulogy Euphony