Are euphemisms reliable?

Question

what are the good and the bad side of them?

Answer 1

A euphemism is a synonymous term that blunts the harsh reality of the word it replaces--"passed away" for "died," for example, or "was sick" for "vomited."

Answer 2

The good side of a euphemism is that it hides the really bad events and feelings; the bad side is that a person may never learn what the true events and feelings were.

Since a euphemism is putting a good face on a bad situation, you can see what I mean:
Bush: The war is going well, we just need more troops.
Many others: The occupation should end, death and destruction surrounds us, we don't know where to turn but the occupation has made things worse...etc.

One may be called a euphemism, the other "reality." I'm not gonna' call either one on YA!

Answer 3

They are primarily the result of a society that can not face the truth, and are used to make something seem less intimidating. IMHO: They are one of three linguistic elements that form a sort of triangle - the other two elements being sarcasm and exaggerations.

Most of the time they are used to "soften" a term, especially politically incorrect terms or descriptions of bad things like disorders and diseases.

For example:
"Dead" is softened when stated as "Passed away"

They are not reliable because they tend to hide the full impact of a statement. This can be perceived differently by individuals.

Answer 4

Euphemisms are good if you do not want to use particular language/words,especially in public. and they can make for wonderful expressions. eg do you know what is meant by a "Technicolour Yawn"?. Their draw back is that other people might not understand them, when you want them to, or understand thwem only too well when you hope they won't. Hope this helps.