Grammar: 💡 Effective Word Choice & Style - Advanced (C1) - Lesson 3: Identifying & Using Euphemisms & Dysphemisms appropriately

Vocabulary: Nuance & Connotation

C1 Lesson 3: Euphemisms & Dysphemisms

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to identify, understand, and use euphemisms (to soften language) and dysphemisms (to harshen language).

Indirect Language: Saying More Than Words

At an advanced level, word choice is about tone and impact. Euphemisms and dysphemisms are two powerful ways to use indirect language to show your attitude.

Euphemism (Making it sound better) 😊

A mild or polite phrase used instead of one that might be embarrassing or blunt. We use them to be polite.

Dysphemism (Making it sound worse) 😠

A harsh, negative, or offensive term used instead of a neutral one. We use them to show contempt or to be insulting.

Common Euphemisms

died → passed away

"Her grandfather passed away peacefully last year."

fired from a job → let go / laid off

"Due to budget cuts, several employees were let go."

old person → senior citizen / elderly

"Discounts are available for senior citizens."

Common Dysphemisms

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?"

Tips for Usage 💡

Context is Everything

Euphemisms are essential for politeness in professional and social situations. They are also used by governments and companies 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 cause insult.

Practice Your Skills 🎯

Quiz: Identify the Tone

1. Calling a psychiatric hospital a "loony bin" is an example of a _______.
   → dysphemism (It is a harsh and offensive term.)
2. Instead of saying a person is "unemployed," a politician might say they are "between jobs." This is a _______.
   → euphemism (It softens the reality.)
3. To say a soldier "was taken out by enemy fire" is a military euphemism for what?
   → The soldier was killed.

Your Vocabulary Mission ⭐

Change the Tone

Rewrite the direct phrase using an appropriate euphemism or dysphemism.

1. Direct: "He died last week."
   → Euphemism: "He passed away last week."
2. Direct: "I really dislike his cheap, old car."
   → Dysphemism: "I really dislike his clunker."

Key Vocabulary

• Indirect (Adjective) | โดยอ้อม
  Not saying exactly what you mean.
• Euphemism (Noun) | คำสละสลวย
  A mild, indirect, or polite word used instead of one considered too harsh or blunt.
• Dysphemism (Noun) | คำหยาบ
  A derogatory or unpleasant term used instead of a pleasant or neutral one.
• Blunt (Adjective) | โผงผาง
  Saying what you think without trying to be polite.