Euphemism

Content

• Examples of euphemisms
• Characteristics of euphemisms
• Dysphemisms
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The euphemisms are the terms that are used to replace something that we want to express but that can be a bit harsh or rude to the ears of other people. For example: staff reduction (dismissal).

Euphemisms are then used to soften or tone down the negative, derogatory or offensive charge that certain words may have. We do this by having to refer, fundamentally, to sexual, physiological or eschatological issues and to any unpleasant or vulgar reality that delicately avoids naming.

The use of euphemisms is thus linked to the great taboo subjects of the human being. But also the so-called “politically correct” discourse has installed in the speech a good amount of euphemisms related to racial or ethnic, social, age and even physical disabilities.

Examples of euphemisms

Some euphemisms are given below, The word it replaces is indicated in parentheses:

1. Staff reduction (dismissal)
2. Golden age or seniors (old age)
3. Pass away (To die)
4. Person of color (black)
5. Person with different abilities (disabled)
6. Blind (blind)
7. Prison establishment (jail)
8. Armed conflict (war)
9. Residence for the elderly (geriatric)
10. Voluntary termination of pregnancy (abortion)
11. Drunk (drunk)
12. Crazy (crazy)
13. Sleep the eternal dream (To die)
14. Collateral damage (civilian deaths)
15. Tipple (excesive drinking)
16. Salivate (spit)
17. Virile member (penis)
18. Take the last trip (To die)
19. Go to toilette (go to the bathroom)
20. To have the period (menstruate)

Characteristics of euphemisms

• A euphemism cannot be substituted for any other word in such a way that it fully retains the same cognitive, stylistic and social effects. This occurs because there are almost no strict and absolute synonyms in Spanish.
• A word can function as a euphemism only if its interpretation remains ambiguous by the listener, who will interpret it literally or euphemistically.
• When a euphemism is widely used, it behaves more like a synonym than a euphemism.
• Euphemisms can only be detected in the context in which they are uttered and their understanding depends on several factors, including the knowledge, social practices and beliefs of the interlocutors involved in the linguistic exchange.

Dysphemisms

Disphemism is the opposite of dysphemism. It is a type of sarcasm that consists of using negative or pejorative expressions to describe things, events or people.

For example:

• junk food (to refer to fast food).
• Silly box (to refer to the TV).

Both euphemism and dysphemism are a special kind of metaphors, usually studied from the analysis of discourse.

Euphemisms retain their normal meaning, in addition to the meaning assigned to them when used in place of other terms. For this reason they can be misleading in certain circumstances.

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