euphemism

[Anonymous]

where can i find an exapmle of a euphemism

 

[MikeNewYork]

where can i find an exapmle of a euphemism

A euphemism is a word or phrase that replaces language that might be viewed as so harsh or so real as to be potentially offensive with softer, less-direct language.

A veterinarian talks of "putting Blackie to sleep" rather than "killing Blackie". One might say Susan is "in the family way" to avoid saying Susan is pregnant. Although it depends on how broadly one views euphemisms, one encounters euphemisms every day.

 

[Hong Kong Chinese]

Please point out my mistakes!
Euphemism

Kick the bucket, pass away=die
Powder room, rest room=toilet
I’m afraid I can help you=I can’t help your for whatever the reasons are!
Mensuel cycle = period
To sleep with someone = to have sex with someone
Call girls = prostitutes
Not-so-beautiful, nice, cute = ugly
Senior citizens = old people

What is the antonym of euphemism?
Malphemism????
Coffin nail=cigarette

 

[MikeNewYork]

Please point out my mistakes!
Euphemism

Kick the bucket, pass away=die
Powder room, rest room=toilet
I’m afraid I can help you=I can’t help your for whatever the reasons are!
Mensuel cycle = period
To sleep with someone = to have sex with someone
Call girls = prostitutes
Not-so-beautiful, nice, cute = ugly
Senior citizens = old people

What is the antonym of euphemism?
Malphemism????
Coffin nail=cigarette

I wouldn't call all of these euphemisms. The list is a mixture of slang, idioms, and euphemisms. Remember that a euphemism is s softer language substitute.

There is some overlap, but I would divide them this way:

Kick the bucket, pass away=die (slang, euphemism)
Powder room, rest room=toilet (that depends on English variety; in American English the "toilet" is a plumbing fixyure, not a room)
I’m afraid I can [sic] help you=I can’t help your for whatever the reasons are! (normal English)
Mensuel cycle = period (euphemism)
To sleep with someone = to have sex with someone (euphemism)
Call girls = prostitutes (possibly euphemism)
Not-so-beautiful, nice, cute = ugly (normal English)
Senior citizens = old people (euphemism)

 

[RonBee]

You might say that not very smart is a euphemism for stupid.

 

[RonBee]

euphemism
From the Greek "euphemos," meaning "auspicious, sounding good." The first part of that root is the Greek prefix "eu-," meaning "good." The second part is "pheme," a Greek word for "speech" that is itself a derivative of the verb "phanai," meaning "to speak.
(From Arcamax)

 

[MikeNewYork]

euphemism
From the Greek "euphemos," meaning "auspicious, sounding good." The first part of that root is the Greek prefix "eu-," meaning "good." The second part is "pheme," a Greek word for "speech" that is itself a derivative of the verb "phanai," meaning "to speak.
(From Arcamax)

Great addition. Other "eu" words:

eubacterium - a nonharmful bacterium
eugenic - good genes
euharmonic - good harmony
eumycete - good fungus
eunomia - under good laws
euonym - a good name for something
eurhythmic - having good rhythm
eutaxy - good order or management
euthanasia - good/easy death
euthyroid - having normal thyroid function

Not: eunuch; that comes from Greek eune for bed. :wink:

 

[RonBee]

eulogy = good word

(Those are some good ones, Mike.)

 

[MikeNewYork]

eulogy = good word

(Those are some good ones, Mike.)

Eulogy is excellent.

Also euphoria -- good feeling