Lesson 4: Understanding Euphemisms
Polite and Indirect Language
In every culture, there are topics that can be difficult or uncomfortable to talk about directly, such as death, money problems, or losing a job. In English, we often use euphemisms—polite, indirect expressions used to replace words that are considered harsh or embarrassing. Understanding euphemisms is a key skill for social and professional communication.
Key Vocabulary
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Euphemism
A mild or indirect word substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt.
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Polite
Having good manners and showing respect for other people.
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Indirect
Not direct; not saying something clearly.
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Harsh
Unpleasantly rough, cruel, or severe.
What are Euphemisms?
A euphemism is a "soft" word or phrase used in place of a "hard" one. They help us talk about sensitive subjects without being rude or causing pain.
Common Euphemisms
| Direct / Harsh Word | Common Euphemism (Polite Phrase) | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| to die | to pass away | My grandfather passed away last year at the age of 90. |
| fired from a job | to be let go | The company was losing money, so several employees were let go. |
| unemployed | between jobs | I'm not working at the moment; I'm between jobs. |
| poor | financially struggling | After he lost his job, his family was financially struggling. |
| old person | senior citizen / elderly | We should offer our seat on the bus to an elderly person. |
| to go to the toilet | to use the restroom / bathroom | Excuse me, where is the restroom? |
Usage Note: Why and When to Use Euphemisms
Euphemisms are all about being polite and showing respect for other people's feelings.
- To Show Respect: We say 'passed away' out of respect for the family of the person who died.
- To Be Less Direct: It can be embarrassing to say 'I have no money'. It sounds softer to say 'I'm financially struggling'.
- In Professional Settings: In business, a manager will say an employee was 'let go' because 'fired' sounds very aggressive and negative.
In Conversation
Srey and Bora are talking about a mutual friend, David.
Srey: Bora, have you heard from David recently? I haven't seen him.
Bora: I heard he's going through a difficult time. His father passed away a few months ago.
Srey: Oh, that's terrible. I didn't know.
Bora: And his company had to close, so he was let go from his job.
Srey: So he's unemployed now?
Bora: Yes, he told me he's between jobs at the moment. I imagine his family is financially struggling.
Srey: That's very sad. We should pay him a visit and see if we can help.
Check Your Understanding
- What is a polite, indirect way to say someone was fired from their job?
- a) They were kicked out.
- b) They were let go.
- c) They are bad at their job.
Answer: b) They were let go.
- If a family has very little money, you could say they are ______.
- a) between jobs
- b) passed away
- c) financially struggling
Answer: c) financially struggling
- To be respectful when talking about an old person, you can call them a ______.
- a) senior citizen
- b) wrinkly person
- c) fossil
Answer: a) senior citizen
Your Mission
- Rewrite for Politeness: Rewrite these direct sentences to be more polite using a euphemism: 1. My dog died. 2. He is unemployed. 3. That man is fat.
- Find Your Own: The word 'lie' (to say something that is not true) is very direct. Can you find a euphemism for it? (Hint: it involves 'stretching').
- Speak with Politeness: Your mission is to think about how you would politely tell a friend that their idea is bad. You wouldn't say "That's a bad idea." What could you say instead? (e.g., "I have a different perspective," or "I'm not sure that's the best approach.")