rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryeuphemismMilder expression
noun

euphemism

YOO-fuh-miz-um/ˈjuːfəmɪzəm/

A mild expression used instead of one considered harsh, blunt, or taboo.

"Passed away" is a common euphemism for "died."

An older editor replaces the blunt word “died” with “passed away” in a short writing example, demonstrating a milder expression substituted for a direct one.
Etymology
euGreekgood, well
+phemGreekspeech, utterance
+ismGreekpractice or process

“Good speech” originally meant using favorable words instead of words thought to bring ill omen, especially in religious ceremonies. The idea broadened to replacing harsh or distasteful expressions with milder ones.

In context

SiliconANGLE theCUBE12:09
sometimes choice is a euphemism for blah. Like I have no strategy. I have no opinion. It's just pick whatever you want and assemble it.
Chad Sakac, EMC | VMworld 2016

More examples

  • The company uses "downsizing" as a euphemism for layoffs.
  • He asks for a direct answer without euphemisms.
  • She uses the euphemism "between jobs" instead of saying "unemployed."

Forms

euphemism · euphemisms

euphemistic adjective — Using mild expressions instead of harsh ones.

Similar words

polite expression
May show courtesy without replacing a harsh or taboo term.
circumlocution
Uses roundabout wording, not necessarily to soften something unpleasant.