euphemism

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A mild or indirect word used in place of one that is harsh, blunt, or offensive.

   "Passed away" is a common euphemism for "died."

Simplified etymology

Euphemism comes from Greek eu, “well,” and phēmē, “speaking,” from phēnai, “to speak.” Its elements therefore convey the idea of speaking well.

Recorded since 1656; from Ancient Greek εὐφημισμός (euphēmismós), from εὐφημίζω (euphēmízō), from εὔφημος (eúphēmos, “uttering sound of good omen, abstaining from inauspicious words”), from εὖ (eû, “well”) + φήμη (phḗmē, “a voice, a prophetic voice, rumor, talk”), from φημί (phēmí, “to speak, say”).

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