2007-02-10 01:32:52 · 6 answers · asked by Abdul Rahim 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Trivia
I am hoping you mean EUPHEMISM:
A euphemism is an expression intended by the speaker to be less offensive, disturbing, or troubling to the listener than the word or phrase it replaces, or in the case of doublespeak to make it less troublesome for the speaker.
When a phrase is used as a euphemism, it often becomes a metaphor whose literal meaning is dropped. Euphemisms may be used to hide unpleasant or disturbing ideas, even when the literal term for them is not necessarily offensive. This type of euphemism is used in public relations and politics, where it is sometimes disparagingly called doublespeak. Sometimes, utilising euphemisms is equated to politeness. There are also superstitious euphemisms, based (consciously or subconsciously) on the idea that words have the power to bring bad fortune (for example, not speaking the word "cancer"; see Etymology and Common examples below) and religious euphemisms, based on the idea that some words are sacred, or that some words are spiritually imperiling.
2007-02-10 01:40:37 · answer #1 · answered by lou53053 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A euphemism is an expression intended by the speaker to be less offensive, disturbing, or troubling to the listener than the word or phrase it replaces, or in the case of doublespeak to make it less troublesome for the speaker.
When a phrase is used as a euphemism, it often becomes a metaphor whose literal meaning is dropped. Euphemisms may be used to hide unpleasant or disturbing ideas, even when the literal term for them is not necessarily offensive. This type of euphemism is used in public relations and politics, where it is sometimes disparagingly called doublespeak. Sometimes, utilising euphemisms is equated to politeness. There are also superstitious euphemisms, based (consciously or subconsciously) on the idea that words have the power to bring bad fortune (for example, not speaking the word "cancer"; see Etymology and Common examples below) and religious euphemisms, based on the idea that some words are sacred, or that some words are spiritually imperiling.
2007-02-10 09:41:31 · answer #2 · answered by paul b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you mean Euphamism: this is when you describe something bad in a less bad way, maybe to save people's feelings or because there are children present!
Eg, "he has a good face for radio," would be a euphamism for saying someone is ugly!
Or, "my dog was put to sleep," is kind of a euphaamism for, "I had my dog killed."
2007-02-10 10:00:06 · answer #3 · answered by _Jess_ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is the arrangement or meticulous choice of words in a sentence to give the effect of pleasing to the ear.
2007-02-10 09:43:29 · answer #4 · answered by wilma m 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.answers.com/topic/euphuism
2007-02-10 09:37:50 · answer #5 · answered by ParsleyThyme 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Euphemism is a "soft term' for something hard.
"Poop" when you mean "crap" or "wee-wee" for "penis"
2007-02-10 09:39:53 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋