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
He is big boned. – He is fat.[2]https://www.clarkandmiller.com/25-english-euphemisms-for-delicate-situations/
- 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.
Euphemisms about Getting Fired
- 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)
Euphemisms about Death
- 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
Euphemisms about Bad
- 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.
Other Euphemisms
- 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.
References