euphemism

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   The use of a word or phrase to replace another one that is more offensive, blunt or vulgar.

   Akin to it [litotes] is euphemism, which may be applied to the same purpose.

2. 2
   noun

   A word or phrase that replaces another in this way.

   When it is said of the martyr St. Stephen, that “he fell asleep,” instead of—he died, the euphemism partakes of the nature of metaphor, intimating a resemblance between sleep and the death of such a person.

3. 3
   noun

   an inoffensive or indirect expression that is substituted for one that is considered offensive or too harsh

Etymology

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”).