"Euphemism Definition"
What is Euphemism ??
Euphemism is an idiomatic expression which loses its literal meanings and refers to something else in order to hide its unpleasantness.
For example, “kick the bucket” is a euphemism that describes the death of a person.
Euphemism depends largely on the social context of the speakers and writers where they feel the need to replace certain words which may prove embarrassing for particular listeners or readers in a particular situation.
"Techniques for Creating Euphemism"
Euphemism masks a rude or impolite expression but conveys the concept clearly and politely. Several techniques are employed to create euphemism.
It may be in the form of abbreviations e.g. B.O. (body odor), W.C. (toilet) etc.
Foreign words may be used to replace an impolite expression e.g. faux (fake), or faux pas (foolish error) etc.
Sometimes, they are abstractions e.g. before I go (before I die).
Euphemism is frequently used in everyday life. Let us look at some common euphemism examples:
You are becoming a little thin on top (bald).
Our teacher is in the family way (pregnant).
He is always tired and emotional (drunk).
We do not hire mentally challenged (stupid) people.
He is a special child (disabled or retarded).
"Examples of Euphemism in Literature"
Example #1
Examples of euphemism referring to sex are found in William Shakespeare ’s “ Othello” and “ Antony and Cleopatra ”. In “ Othello”, Act 1 Scene 1, Iago tells Brabantio:
“I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs.”
Example #2
John Donne in his poem “ The Flea ” employs euphemism. He says:
“Mark but this flea, and mark in this,
How little that which thou denies me is;
It suck’d me first, and now sucks thee,
And in this flea our two bloods mingled be.
Thou know’st that this cannot be said
A sin, nor shame, nor loss of maidenhead;
Yet this enjoys before it woo,
And pamper’d swells with one blood made of two;
And this, alas! is more than we would do.”
In order to persuade his beloved to sleep with him, the speaker in the poem tells her how a flea bit both of them and their blood got mixed in it. This is a euphemism.
