单词 | euphemism |
释义 | euphemism (once / 5937 pages) n Pardon me, but when a polite term is substituted for a blunt, offensive one, you should call it a euphemism. Euphemism is from Greek euphemismos, meaning "good speech," and it's a way that we paper over uncomfortable things with more pleasant-sounding words. These days we tend to use euphemisms when talking about anything having to do with elimination of bodily waste: toilet, bathroom, and water closet were all originally euphemisms. The military is also notorious for using euphemisms, like saying "neutralizing the target" instead of "killing someone." WORD FAMILYeuphemism: euphemise, euphemisms, euphemistic, euphemize+/euphemise: euphemised, euphemises/euphemistic: euphemistically/euphemize: euphemized, euphemizes, euphemizing USAGE EXAMPLESSo “populism” is now overwhelmingly used as a euphemism for a style of politics that plays on xenophobia and hatred of expertise. The Guardian(Dec 30, 2016) And that allows them leeway to express themselves without euphemism. New York Times(Dec 28, 2016) And the first phase — “clearing” — was a euphemism for violence, repeatedly applied via small gunfights and supported by American artillery and air power. New York Times(Dec 28, 2016) n an inoffensive or indirect expression that is substituted for one that is considered offensive or too harsh Ant|Hyper dysphemism an offensive or disparaging expression that is substituted for an inoffensive one expression, locution, saying a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations |
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