Words / C1

YOOF-uh-miz-uh-m/ˈjuːfəmɪzəm/

A euphemism is a milder or vaguer word used in place of one that is blunt or uncomfortable: a euphemism for cuts, “natural wastage” as a euphemism. Softening is everyday talk; an unstaffed night is still a rota hole.

Meaning

A milder or vaguer word used in place of one that is blunt or uncomfortable.

Examples

• ““Natural wastage” is a euphemism if nights go unstaffed; name the hole.”
• “Softening is talk. Circumlocution is the long-way twin. Wastage is a slogan. A gap on the grid is evidence. Staff the night, or name the cut; do not baptise the hole as nature.”

Good to know

A milder word for a blunt fact. Close: softening. “Natural wastage” ≠ cover.

Near in meaning

softening, circumlocution, understatement

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