💡 C1 Lesson 3: Identifying & Using Euphemisms & Dysphemisms
At a mastery level of English, we understand that word choice is not just about literal meaning; it's about tone, politeness, and impact. Today, we explore two powerful tools of indirect1 language: euphemisms (which make things sound better) and dysphemisms (which make things sound worse).
Euphemisms: The Art of Softening Language
A euphemism2 is a mild or polite phrase used in place of one that may be found offensive, embarrassing, or unpleasantly blunt3. We use them to be polite or to discuss sensitive topics.
| Direct / Blunt Word | Common Euphemism | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| died | passed away / passed on | "Her grandfather passed away peacefully last year." |
| fired from a job | let go / laid off | "Due to budget cuts, several employees were let go." |
| poor country | developing nation | "Many charities provide aid to developing nations." |
| old person | senior citizen / elderly | "Discounts are available for senior citizens." |
Dysphemisms: The Art of Harshening Language
A dysphemism4 is the opposite. It's the use of a harsh, negative, or offensive term instead of a neutral one. People use dysphemisms to show contempt5, to be insulting, or for dark humour.
| Neutral Word | Common Dysphemism | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| unhealthy food | junk food / junk | "You shouldn't eat so much junk; it's bad for you." |
| an old car | a clunker / a rust bucket | "I need a new moto; this old one is a real clunker." |
| a cigarette | a cancer stick | "Are you still smoking those cancer sticks?" |
Context is Everything
Euphemisms are essential for politeness in professional and social situations. They are also used by governments and corporations to make bad news sound less negative (e.g., "downsizing" instead of "firing people").
Dysphemisms are almost always informal and can be very offensive. You should be able to recognize them, but be very careful about using them yourself, as they can easily insult someone if your relationship is not extremely close and informal.
🧠 Practice Quiz: Identify the Tone
For each situation, identify the type of language being used.
- Calling a psychiatric hospital a "mental institution" or "loony bin" is an example of a _______.
Answer: dysphemism (It is a harsh and offensive term.) - Instead of saying a person is "unemployed," a politician might say they are "between jobs." This is a _______.
Answer: euphemism (It softens the reality.) - Which term for "a person who tells lies" has the most negative connotation?
a) fibber b) storyteller c) pathological liar
Answer: c) pathological liar. This is a very strong, almost clinical dysphemism. - To say a soldier "was taken out by enemy fire" is a military euphemism for what?
Answer: The soldier was killed.
📝 Homework: Change the Tone
Rewrite the direct phrase using an appropriate euphemism or dysphemism.
- Rewrite "He died last week" using a common euphemism.
Answer: He passed away last week. - Rewrite "I really dislike his cheap, old car" using a dysphemism.
Answer: I really dislike his clunker/piece of junk. - Your friend's perfume has a very strong, unpleasant smell. What is a polite euphemism you could use?
Answer: "That's a very... strong fragrance." (Using 'strong' can be a polite way to say 'too much'.)
Vocabulary Glossary
- Indirect: (Adjective) - ដោយប្រយោល (daoy prâ'yaol) - Not direct; not saying exactly what you mean. ↩
- Euphemism: (Noun) - សុភាសិត (so'phéa'sĭt) - A mild, indirect, or polite word or expression used instead of one considered too harsh, blunt, or embarrassing. ↩
- Blunt: (Adjective) - ត្រង់ (tráng) - Saying what you think without trying to be polite or considering other people's feelings. ↩
- Dysphemism: (Noun) - ទុភាសិត (tŭ'phéa'sĭt) - A derogatory or unpleasant term used instead of a pleasant or neutral one. ↩
- Contempt: (Noun) - ការមើលងាយ (kaa məəl'ngéay) - The feeling that a person or a thing is worthless or beneath consideration. ↩