Definition of EUPHEMISM (original) (raw)
: the substitution of an agreeable or inoffensive expression for one that may offend or suggest something unpleasant
also : the expression so substituted
Did you know?
Euphemism comes from Greek eúphēmos, which means "uttering sounds of good omen," "fair-sounding," or "auspicious." The first part of that root is the prefix eu-, meaning "good." The second part is phēmos, a Greek word for "speech."
Did you know?
Euphemisms can take different forms, but they all involve substituting a word or phrase considered to be less offensive than another. The substituted word might, for example, be viewed as a less coarse choice, as when dang or darn is used instead of damn or damned. Or it might replace a word viewed as insulting to a religious figure, such as the various euphemisms for God (gad, gadzooks, gosh) or Jesus (gee, jeepers, jeez). A euphemism may also consist of an indirect softening phrase that is substituted for the straightforward naming of something unpalatable. Thus, we hear of people being “let go” rather than “fired”; civilians killed in war described as “collateral damage”; or someone who has died having “kicked the bucket,” “passed away, “given up the ghost,” or “joined one’s ancestors.”
Examples of euphemism in a Sentence
Cougar is the euphemism for a woman who has reached mid-life, who is single, financially secure and on the lookout for relationships with younger men—as in "prey." —
Kerry Gold, Vancouver Sun, 17 Feb. 2001 Spin is sometimes dismissed as a simple euphemism for lying. But it's actually something more insidious: indifference to the truth. —Michael Kinsley, Time, 25 Dec. 2000–1 Jan. 2001 "Invigorating" is the euphemism we use most often to describe the chilly waters off the coast, but knowledgeable Maine boaters know where to find the warmer, tidal waters just right for a midsummer dip. —Ken Textor, Down East, August 2001 If you are "let go," "separated," "terminated" or whatever euphemism the company uses for "clean-out-your-desk-and-be-gone," remember that you do have rights. —Elsie Maclay, First for Women, July 1989
using “eliminate” as a euphemism for “kill”
Recent Examples on the Web Horse manure containing alfalfa hay is an ideal medium for vermicomposting (vermis means worm in Latin), which yields worm castings (a euphemism for worm poop), the best soil amendment under the sun. —Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 30 Aug. 2024 One of the most amazing things about mentally dwelling in this 1930s farming community for an hour every week is its society’s insistence on euphemism and/or silent implication. —Alice Burton, Vulture, 21 Jan. 2024 Many have made efforts to couch their language in euphemisms, usually portraying themselves as populist rather than as fascist. —Katie Marie Davies, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Aug. 2024 Small potatoes were often thrown away — thus a euphemism for insignificant — or used in potato salad. —John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for euphemism 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'euphemism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
borrowed from Medieval Latin euphēmismus, borrowed from Greek euphēmismós "substitution of an auspicious word for an inauspicious one," from euphēmízesthai "to use words of good omen" (from eúphēmos "uttering sounds of good omen, fair-sounding, auspicious" + -izesthai, middle voice of -izein -ize) + -ismos -ism; eúphēmos from eu- eu- + -phēmos, nominal derivative, with a suffixal -m-, from the base of phēmí, phánai "to say, speak" — more at ban entry 1
First Known Use
1656, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of euphemism was in 1656
Dictionary Entries Near euphemism
Cite this Entry
“Euphemism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/euphemism. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
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Last Updated: 23 Sep 2024 - Definition revised
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