What is a euphemism?

Definition
	A euphemism is a metaphorical or metonymic use of an expression in place of another expression that is disagreeable or offensive.

Example (English)

In Acts 2:39 and Ephesians 2:13, 17 of the Bible, the expression those that are afar off is used in place of a term of direct reference to the Gentiles.

Source:

Beekman and Callow 1974 120

Generic
	A euphemism is a kind of
	What is a trope?

Sources
	Beekman and Callow 1974 119–120
	Mish 1991 428

Context for this page:

Concept module: euphemism
In overview module: Glossary (Linguistics): E
In modular book: Glossary of linguistic terms, by Eugene E. Loos (general editor), Susan Anderson (editor), Dwight H., Day, Jr. (editor), Paul C. Jordan (editor), and J. Douglas Wingate (editor)
In bookshelf: Linguistics

This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library, Version 5.0 published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 2003. [Ordering information.]

Page content last modified: 5 January 2004