2. Euphemism is a word or expressions that
are used when people speak polite or direct
with offensive topics but showing respect at
the same time. They talk about things in a
roundabout way to avoid taboos.
Euphemism is used to show…
- Softened expressions
- Politeness
- Impoliteness
2
3. To Soften Expression
Used to make an unpolite truth sound less harsh.
EXAMPLES
-Passed on instead of died.
-Pregnancy termination instead of abortion.
-There is a bun in the oven instead of pregnant.
-Not working towards full potential instead of lazy
3
4. To Show Politeness
Used to take up places you might not want to say
in polite company.
EXAMPLES
-Big-boned instead of heavy.
-Adult beverages instead of beer.
-Economically disadvantaged instead of poor.
-Handicapped instead of crippled
4
5. To Show Impoliteness
Less pleasant ways of saying something.
EXAMPLES
-Blow chunks instead of vomited.
-Screw loose instead of crazy.
-Hide the sausage instead of sex.
-Passed gas instead of fart.
5
6. THE END
Acknowledgements
6
Hairil, A & Umar (2013) ‘Taboo and Euphemism’ [PowerPoint
presentation]. Available at:
https://www.slideshare.net/McClane_Roy/taboo-and-
euphemism?from_search=2 ( Accessed: 17 August 2023)Morano,
J. (2014) ‘Euphemism’ [PowerPoint presentation]. Available at:
https://www.slideshare.net/jeiAnnmorano/euphemism-37839303
( Accessed: 16 August 2023)Rogers, T (2017) ‘Figures of Speech’
[PowerPoint presentation]. Available at:
https://www.slideshare.net/taylorrogers15/figures-of-speech-
75825073?from_search=0 ( Accessed 16 August 2023)Ryan, B.
(2018) ‘Euphemism’[PowerPoint presentation]. Available at:
https://www.slideshare.net/RyanBuer/lesson-2-euphemism
(Accessed 16 August 2023)Sang Soon,L & Min Ki, J (2011)
‘Euphemism’ [PowerPoint presentation]. Available at:
https://www.slideshare.net/leess0928/euphemism (Accessed 16
August 2023)