Euphemism

Definition

The term euphemism refers to polite, indirect expressions which replace words and phrases considered harsh and impolite or which suggest something unpleasant.

Techniques for Creating Euphemism

Euphemism masks a rude or impolite expression but conveys the concept clearly and politely. Several techniques are employed to create euphemism.

• It may be in the form of abbreviations e.g. B.O. (body odor), W.C. (toilet) etc.
• Foreign words may be used to replace an impolite expression e.g. faux (fake), or faux pas (foolish error) etc.
• Sometimes, they are abstractions e.g. before I go (before I die).
• They may also be indirect expressions replacing direct ones which may sound offensive e.g. rear-end, unmentionables etc.
• Using longer words or phrases can also mask unpleasant words e.g. flatulence for farting, perspiration for sweat, mentally challenged for stupid etc.
• Using technical terms may reduce the rudeness exhibited by words e.g. gluteus maximus.
• Deliberately mispronouncing an offensive word may reduce its severity e.g. darn, shoot etc.

Example

1.       If you are offered a career change or an early retirement opportunity, a career or employee transition, or you are being involuntarily separated, or if personnel is being realigned or there is a surplus reduction in personnel, or the staff is being re-engineered or right sized, or if there is a workforce imbalance correction then: You’re fired!

2.       You aren’t poor, you are economically disadvantaged.

3.       You aren’t broke, you have temporary negative cash flow.

4.       You do not live in a slum but in substandard housing, or in an economically depressed neighborhood, or culturally deprived environment.

5.       If you are managing company stakeholders, that means you are lobbying, which is really the same as bribing.

Euphemisms are often used in everyday speech to soften difficult situations.
Example 1
We have to let you go, Tyler.
To “let someone go” is to fire someone. This is a euphemism that sounds much nicer than the harsh truth of the situation.
Example 2
She’s a very curvy woman.
“Curvy” can sometimes be used as a euphemistic way of describing someone who is, in fact, overweight.
References :
http://literaryterms.net/euphemism/
https://lynnschneiderbooks.com/2011/12/23/20-examples-of-great-euphemisms/
http://literarydevices.net/euphemism/