Euphemism is the substitution of an agreeable and inoffensive phrase for one that may offend or suggest something unpleasant, Roopa Banerjee

When a colleague or friend says, “I am under the weather,” we know that she is feeling physically unwell. But instead of stating the bald truth, she prefers to use a euphemism.

Euphemism is the substitution of an agreeable and inoffensive phrase for one that may offend or suggest something unpleasant. It’s derived from the Greek word euphemismos or euphemia, which means ‘to sound good’ or ‘words of good omen’.

Euphemisms are of various type. For instance abstractions that refer to unpleasant facts of life such as death. Saying that a person passed away is a commonly used euphemism for death. Similarly, modifications are used to alter an offensive noun to an adjective to reduce hurt, such as “That was a silly thing to do” instead of “She’s silly.”

Euphemisms have become an accepted part of verbal communication because stating the plain truth may be considered rude and brash in polite society. Therefore using euphemisms allows you to say what you want indirectly to soften the blow.

Euphemisms sometimes evolve as meanings of words and their connotations change with changing times, thus rendering them counterproductive and unintentionally offensive. For example, welfare was originally used with a constructive implication, but years of typecasting have harmed that nuance. As a result, people are now using assistance to convey altruistic services.

Euphemisms are also deployed extensively for humour or to cover profanity on television and cinema. For example, in the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, a seriously wounded knight refers to his amputated arm as a “flesh wound.”

Disney’s hit movie The Emperor’s New Groove offers a fine example of euphemism. The protagonist Kuzco fires his advisor. However, when the advisor shows some distress, he hurriedly says the same thing with euphemisms:

“Um, how else can I say it? You’re being let go. Your department’s being downsized. You’re part of an outplacement program. We’re going in a different direction. We’re not picking up your option. Take your pick. I got more.”

Of course, literature abounds with euphemism as it injects poetic imagery in writing. William Shakespeare used this literary device in all his plays, without exception. These lines from Macbeth are probably the most stellar example:
“But be the serpent under ‘t. He that’s coming
Must be provided for; and you shall put
This night’s great business into my dispatch…”
The phrase ‘must be provided for’ alludes to the planned murder of the king.
Similarly, Tom Hardy’s poem Afterwards denotes death with the subtle phrase ‘stilled at last.’
“If, when hearing that I have been stilled at last, they stand at the door, Watching the full-starred heavens that winter sees…”
George Orwell in his dystopian novel 1984 also used euphemisms generously.

“The Ministry of Truth, which concerned itself with news, entertainment, education, and the fine arts. The Ministry of Peace, which concerned itself with war. The Ministry of Love, which maintained law and order. And the Ministry of Plenty, which was responsible for economic affairs.”

Exercise
Here are some common euphemisms. Guess their actual meaning:
1. Single-minded
2. Correctional facility
3. Split
4. Between jobs
5. Around the bend

Answers:
1. Stubborn
2. Prison
3. Divorce
4. Unemployed
5. Insane