What is euphemism?
Words can wound. Words can heal
Would you like it if someone called you ‘fat’?! How about ‘overweight’? A euphemism is a word (or series of words) which replaces sad, unpleasant or shocking ideas with softer and nicer expressions.
Now let’s practice:
What do the following euphemisms mean?
- Robin Williams passed away on Aug 11, 2014.
- My goodness, is that your car?
- Manager: Sorry, but I’m going to have to let you go.
- Well, I am between jobs now.
- What do think of this handbag? Well, I’ve seen better.
- Ahmadinejad is economical with the truth!
- This job is not suitable for the visually impaired.
- She was less favoured by beauty.
- Someone borrowed money without asking from my purse.
- Kim’s IELTS writing has plenty of room for improvement.
Answers:
- Robin Williams died on Aug 11, 2014.
- My God, is that your car?
- Manager: Sorry, but I’m going to have to fire you.
- Well, I am unemployed now.
- What do you think of this handbag? Well, it is not really good.
- Ahmadinejad is a liar!
- This job is not suitable for the blind.
- She was ugly.
- Someone stole money from my purse.
- Kim’s IELTS writing is not so good.
Now it is your turn. Can you add any more euphemisms to this list? Leave a comment below…
About the Author
CEO and Co-founder of Juice Academy
Mehdi Safavi is a Cambridge certified English teacher (CELTA Grade A), IDP-trained IELTS expert, Sussex Downs College TESOL with 17+ years of teaching & teacher training experience. More about him →
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