Euphemism
Pronounced YOO-fuh-miz-um.
Euphemism: A mild or indirect expression substituted for one considered too harsh or blunt.
Euphemism softens what a speaker cannot say plainly - and in fiction, a character's euphemisms map exactly what they are afraid of.
Euphemism examples
"He passed away last spring."
— common usage
"The company is letting you go."
— common usage
"Squealer announces a 'readjustment' of rations, never a reduction."
— Animal Farm, George Orwell
"In Nineteen Eighty-Four, the ministries of Peace, Plenty, Love and Truth run war, shortage, torture and propaganda."
— Nineteen Eighty-Four, George Orwell
Spot the Euphemism
Score: 0/0A mild or indirect expression substituted for one considered too harsh or blunt.
"He passed away last spring."
Which work is this from?
Explore every literary device in the poetic devices hub.
Euphemism: common questions
What is euphemism in literature?
A mild or indirect expression substituted for one considered too harsh or blunt. Euphemism softens what a speaker cannot say plainly - and in fiction, a character's euphemisms map exactly what they are afraid of.
What is an example of euphemism?
A classic example is "He passed away last spring." (common usage).
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