euphemism
(ˈjuːfɪmɪz(ə)m)
[ad. Gr. εὐϕηµισµός, f. εὐϕηµίζειν to speak fair, f. εὔϕηµος: see prec.]
1. Rhet. That figure of speech which consists in the substitution of a word or expression of comparatively favourable implication or less unpleasant associations, instead of the harsher or more offensive one that would more precisely designate what is intended.
| 1656–81 Blount Glossogr., Euphemism, a good or favourable interpretation of a bad word. 1678–96 in Phillips. 1721–1800 in Bailey. 1793 Beattie Moral Sc. §866 Akin to it [Litotes] is Euphemism. 1879 M. D. Conway Demonol. I. iii. vi. 348 Serpent-worship in India was developed by euphemism. |
2. An instance of this figure; a less distasteful word or phrase used as a substitute for something harsher or more offensive.
| 1793 Beattie Moral Sc. §866 The euphemism [‘he fell asleep’] partakes of the nature of metaphor. 1860 Froude Hist. Eng. VI. 27 foot-n., A shorn crown..a euphemism for decapitation. 1865 Tylor Early Hist. Man. vi. 143 The euphemism of calling the Furies in the Eumenides. 1877 E. Coues Fur Anim. vii. 216 The Skunk yields a handsome fur, lately become fashionable, under the euphemism of ‘Alaska Sable’. |
† 3. (See quot.) Obs.—0
| 1678–96 Phillips, Euphemism, a setting forth any ones good fame. 1721–1800 in Bailey. 1828 in Webster. |