Common English Euphemism Examples

In English, a “euphemism” is a nicer way to say something that could be offensive or unpleasant.^[1]https://www.englishclub.com/vocabulary/euphemism.htm

We might use them to not be as direct in how we talk or not to offend someone.

Euphemisms Describing People

She is vertically challenged. – She is short.
Frank is between jobs. – Frank is unemployed.
Susie is not the sharpest tool in the shed. – Susie is not the smartest.
They are on the streets. – They are homeless.

My boss let me go. – My boss fired me.
You have been made redundant. – You are not needed anymore. (you have been replaced at your job)

My mother passed away/passed on/met her maker last year. – My mother died last year.
My father lost his battle with cancer. – My father died due to cancer.^[3]https://www.verywellhealth.com/euphemisms-for-dead-death-or-dying-1131903

Your work just isn’t up to scratch. – Your work just isn’t good enough.
The repairman’s work left a lot to be desired. – The repairman’s work was bad and unsatisfying.

My wife is expecting. – My wife is pregnant.
They come from an underprivileged family. – They come from a poor family.^[4]https://www.englishclub.com/vocabulary/euphemism.htm
I need a bit of peace and quiet. – Go away!^[5]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/91/9d/49/919d49e43bb8152657a1a2680c3a7dcd.jpg
My parents gave me the birds and the bees talk when I was young. – My parents told me about sex when I was young.^[6]https://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-euphemism.html
They are chronologically challenged. – They are late.
It has been a long week, I really need some adult beverages. – It has been a long week, I really need some alcohol.^[7]https://peptalkindia.com/100-popular-euphemisms-in-english-language/
I need to go to the little boy’s room/little girl’s room. – I need to go to the restroom.
My cousin had to stay in a correctional facility for a few months. – My cousin had to stay in jail for a few months.

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