64.4k views
5 votes
How can a euphemism function for unpleasant words or phrases?

User Ruchi
by
7.6k points

2 Answers

5 votes
I'm assuming you know what an euphemism is and want an example. Here's one.

His mother was murdered and brutally violated while bounded.

OR

His mother was found deceased.

Big difference. Also, euphemisms are helpful when stating blunt truths or giving an opinion. Hope this helped!
User Yart
by
7.6k points
7 votes

Explanation: Euphemism is used to mitigate unpleasant words and phrases by using words that have the same meaning but not sound so uncomfortable and unpleasant, instead of explicitly unpleasant words, which in addition to being unpleasant can be considered offensive, vulgar, etc. For example, a social drinker can be used instead of the word alcoholic.

Euphemism is therefore used to avoid unpleasant words, which means avoid possible confrontation, then to avoid hurting one's feelings. However, euphemism can also be used for negative purposes when, by substituting a particular word for another, one may be misleading deliberately, or intentionally belittling the true meaning of what is said.

User Kiduxa
by
7.2k points