Language · 2
What is the linguistic term for a word or phrase that a society uses as a milder substitute for something considered harsh or taboo?
Answer
Euphemism
A euphemism is a polite or indirect expression used in place of one that might be considered blunt or offensive — for example, saying 'passed away' instead of 'died.' The practice is universal across languages and cultures and plays a major role in shaping everyday speech.
💡 Did you know?
The word 'euphemism' comes from the Greek 'euphemismos,' meaning 'to speak with good words' — the ancient Greeks used it in religious contexts to avoid uttering words considered unlucky or profane.
Other options people guess
- Dysphemism
- Circumlocution
- Litotes
Topics
- linguistics
- vocabulary
- rhetoric
- english
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