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A euphemism (/ ˈ juː f ə m ɪ z əm / YOO-fə-miz-əm) is an innocuous word or expression used in place of one that is deemed offensive or suggests something unpleasant. [1] Some euphemisms are intended to amuse, while others use bland, inoffensive terms for concepts that the user wishes to downplay.
A euphemism is a mild, indirect, or vague term substituting for a harsher, blunter, or more offensive term.. It may also substitute a description of something or someone to avoid revealing secret, holy, or sacred names to the uninitiated, or to obscure the identity of the subject of a conversation from potential eavesdroppers.
Opposite of euphemism. Ekphrasis: lively describing something you see, often a painting. Epanorthosis: immediate and emphatic self-correction, often following a slip of the tongue. Euphemism: substitution of a less offensive or more agreeable term for another. Hyperbole: use of exaggerated terms for emphasis.
A euphemism for dying or death: put a spoke in one's wheel To disrupt, foil, or cause problems to one's plan, activity, or project. [68] put on airs: An English language idiom and a colloquial phrase meant to describe a person who acts superior, or one who behaves as if they are more important than others. [69] put the cat among the pigeons
The term four-letter word serves as a euphemism for words that are often considered profane or offensive.. The designation "four-letter" arises from the observation that many (though not all) popular or slang terms related to excretory functions, sexual activity, genitalia, blasphemies, and terms linked to Hell or damnation are incidentally four-character monosyllables.
Translated literally, the Japanese word shunga means picture of spring; "spring" is a common euphemism for sex. [1] Shunga, as a subset of ukiyo-e, was enjoyed by all social groups in the Edo period, despite being out of favor with the shogunate. The ukiyo-e movement sought to idealize contemporary urban living and appeal to the new chōnin ...
The euphemism has variations: for example, before his marriage, a senior member of the Royal family allegedly went on holiday with an ex-Page Three girl, whereupon Private Eye reported he had contracted a "Ugandan virus" [citation needed]. If the 'Ugandan' encounter was not completely successful, the phrase "failed to reach Kampala" was used.
First attested in English in 1380, [citation needed] the word coffin derives from the Old French cofin, from Latin cophinus, which means basket, [5] which is the latinisation of the Greek κόφινος (kophinos), basket. [6] The earliest attested form of the word is the Mycenaean Greek ko-pi-na, written in Linear B syllabic script. [7]