Today’s English
February 16th, 2017
If you use a polite or indirect word or expression in stead of rude, impolite and harsh one, that is known as euphemism. For example, using “ restroom” in stead of “toilet" is a euphemistic usage of English. Euphemism is to mask the unpleasantness in your expressions.
1.He died - he passed away./ He departed his life.
2. Did you go to toilet/ urinate? – Have you relieved yourself? / Have you answered nature's call?
3.Where is lavatory here? - Where is washroom /restroom here?
4.She is a prostitute – She is everybody’s moon / She is lady of the night / a working girl / a call girl.
5.TCS is reducing number of Employees now. - TCS is downsizing now.
6.Small one. – compact one
7.A small quantity of products – a handy version
8.Old Website /design – classic version
9.Why do you take stupid people for job? – why do you hire mentally challenged people?
10.Solving the problem – troubleshooting
11.Why are growing bald? - Why are growing a little thin on your top?
12.She is pregnant now - She is in the family way now.
13. a disabled one/handicapped/ retarded one – differently tabled / a special child.
14.Reduction of salary – readjustment of pay
15.Heavy / overweight – bigboned
16.Have sex – go all the way / sleep together /share the bed
17.She is poor – She is economically disadvantaged.
18.An annoyed/ unwanted phone call – courtesy call
19.He is a liar – he is economical with the truth.
20.You are not qualified for this job – You are partially proficient.
Shakespeare, the father of euphemism, uses it in his plays more frequently than others. For example, in “Antony and Cleopatra”, Act II, Scene II, Agrippa talks about the sexual intercourse and pregnancy in the euphemistic way:
“She made great Caesar lay his sword to bed.
He plowed her, and she cropped.”
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