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Originally Posted by Casiopea Quote: |
Originally Posted by dj can you give me examples of euphemism? | "euphemism" is an expression used in place of another expression that is disagreeable or offensive. Many euphemisms fall into one or more of these categories:
Foreign terms: "derriere" (ass), "copulation" (sex)
Abbreviations: "SOB" (son of a bitch)
Abstractions: "go" (deficate)
Indirections: "behind" (ass), "unmentionables" (genitals)
Longer words: "perspire" (sweat)
Mispronunciation: "goldarnit" (God damn it) More EXAMPLES
"collateral damage" (civilian casualties)
"unplanned landing" (plane crash)
"spontaneous energetic disassembly" (explosion)
"protective custody" (imprisonment without judicial proceedings)
"bathroom" (toilet)
"gay" (homosexual)
"gosh" (God)
"gee" (Jesus)
"pass away" (died)
"darn" (damn)
"dog gone" (God damn)
"heck" (hell)
"shoot" (shit)
"jiminee christmas" (Jesus Christ) Click here to read more... |
in addition to all this it's good to mention that politicians are masters of euphenisms. Just a few examples to show you how it works in politics and what comes out of it:
poor people = underprivilaged people
welfare=social restraint
handicapped=mentally and physically challeneged
a gay spouse=significant other
a black person living in the States is called African-American
it's very important for the politicians to speak in that fashion because they don't want to offend anyone and being "vague" is in. In other words, you choose something "milder" to replace something that might offend the listener.
how to use a eupemism when desribing someone short and fat?
"That guy is both vertically and horizontally challenged.
sounds better, doesn't it? less likely to offend someone.
similarily, instead of calling someone stupid, you can say:
Doesn't have all his dogs on one leash.
Her sewing machine's out of thread.
the elevator doesn't go all the way to the top.
etc, etc.
These expressions have become extremely popular in the recent years.
euphemism 
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