Euphemism
Definition:
The substitution of an agreeable
or inoffensive expression for one that may offend or suggest
something unpleasant.
Examples:
The use of “terminally
injured” rather than “killed” in
this sentence: “Seven people were terminally injured
in the DUI accident earlier this morning.”
The use
of “friendly fire” rather than “accidental
killings” in this sentence: “Some experts
suggest that one third of our casualties may be from
friendly fire.”
Referring
to women as “big, beautiful, bountiful” rather
than obese in this sentence: “A big, beautiful,
bountiful store for big, beautiful, bountiful women.”
Preferring
to use the terminology “pro-choice” rather
than the more politically charged “pro-abortion” and “pro-life” rather
than “anti-abortion.”
-
Restate the four examples
above, removing their euphemisms and using exact language.
What is the effect?
-
Are euphemisms politeness, preciseness
or persuasion? Defend your answer.
-
You are part of a team
of students asked to speak to parents about supporting
the installation of metal detectors
in
your school. What are some phrases you can use for
convincing parents to support this cause without scaring
them?
-
Which profession might possibly be very practiced
in the use of euphemisms? Defend your answer.
-
List five
topics that are addressed in television commercials but
are carefully draped in euphemisms
because the
topics themselves are touchy for public discussion.
Download
a PDF file of the student handout, Euphemism. |
