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Euphemism
While more people use euphemisms than actually recognize doing so, this form of "civilizing" conversation has become a deadly instrument of obfuscation and concealment when it comes to public awareness and participation in matters of critical importance!
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Euphemism « YOU ARE HERE!
 DEATH by Euphemism ™
Euphemism Defined
The dictionary definition of "euphemism" seems relatively undisputed, but the simple act of using this form of expression has the potential to LITERALLY lead to human suffering and death!
Dictionary Definition of Euphemism
- The process of substituting an inoffensive or indirect expression for one that is considered offensive or unacceptable to be mentioned literally.
- An agreeable word or expression substituted for one that is potentially offensive.
Examples of Euphemisms
- When referring to the death, the euphemism "passing away" is often used. In this case, euphemism is a means of avoiding uncomfortable language during sensitive times of bereavement.
- The euphemism "rest room" if often used instead of "toilet". It is common to use euphemisms instead of terms which deal with human bodily functions as a matter of courtesy and civility.
Types of Euphemisms
Euphemisms are used for a variety of reasons. Generally speaking, euphemisms are used to substitute a literal term with something more metaphoric or symbolic in nature. Euphemisms, by nature, use very different words and terms from the actual idea being expressed (or avoided).
- Euphemisms for Politeness -- When some topics are too awkward to discuss directly (literally), euphemisms are used as a matter of civility. This helps avoid distractions from conversations which may be caused by more abrasive terms and expressions (by civil standards). However, this very ability of euphemism to bury or conceal some aspects of an idea, can result in permanent loss of the original meaning/spirit of the idea itself.
- Euphemisms in Public Relations -- The nature of public relations to spin favourable perceptions of even distasteful ideas and situations lends a perfect breeding ground for a variety of euphemisms. In the mildest form of PR euphemism, delicate topics can be presented in an upbeat manner. In the most extreme applications of euphemisms in PR and media relations, completely contradictory expressions can be used to talk about less popular ideas. This is sometimes referred to as doublespeak or doubletalk.
- Euphemisms in Politics -- Most well-versed politicians know that some terms and expressions must never be spoken (if public support and re-election are goals). However, some situations and issues inevitably steer the mind to these dangerous topics. Euphemisms are often used in politics to "talk about" (politically) dangerous issues without really talking about them. Another form of political euphemsism is the reframing of undesireable notions into more positive metaphors which are more likely to gain public support.
- Euphemisms in Religion -- Some dogmatic belief systems consider certain terms and expressions spiritually perilous. The mere utterance of these "dark expressions" is believed to evoke spiritually negative forces. Euphemisms are often used to represent the darker side of spirituality without actually referring to it literally.
- Euphemisms and Sexuality -- When matters of the heart lean more to the lusty side, euphemisms are used to talk about (sometimes negotiate) carnal endeavours. By using playful terms and expressions, romantically inclined individuals can enjoy a romp in their minds before resorting to closed doors.
- Euphemisms as Code -- Discussing secrets in public can be achieved through privately understood euphemisms. Parents often use euphemisms to discuss adult topics amongst each other with their children present. Young people also develop their own code words and terms to speak privately out loud in the company of others.
See Also
References
- Random House, Inc., euphemism defined in "Random House Dictionary", 2009.
- Houghton Mifflin Company, euphemism defined in "The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition", 2006.
- MICRA, Inc., euphemism defined in "Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary", 1998.
- Princeton University, euphemism defined in "WordNet", 2006.
- Houghton Mifflin Company, euphemism defined in "The American Heritage New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition", 2005.
- Douglas Harper, euphemism defined in "Online Etymology Dictionary", 2001.
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Euphemism « YOU ARE HERE!
DEATH by Euphemism ™
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