Microsoft Word Seminars on stylistics

Euphemism 
e.g.:
the word 
“to die” 
has the following euphemisms: 

to pass away

to expire

to be no more

to depart

to join the majority

to cross the bar.
So, euphemisms are words and phrases which aim at producing a deliberately 
mild effect. 
The origin of the term 
euphemism
discloses the aim of the device very clearly, 
i.e. speaking well (from Greek: 
Eu 
- 
well
, 
Pheme 
- 
speaking
Euphemism sometimes figuratively called 
“a whitewashing device”
Euphemisms may be divided into several groups according to their spheres of 
application.
The most recognizable are the following: 

Religious 

Moral 

Medical

Political 

Parliamentary 
 Euphemism
a periphrasis ,which is used to replace an 
unpleasant word or expression by a more 
acceptable one

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e.g.:
intoxication - drunkenness,
Perspiration - sweat. 
 
Task 1
. 
Comment on the euphemisms in the following sentences 
and translate the extracts into your mother tongue: 
 
1. But people put on black to remember people when they are gone. 
(Dickens) 
2. We were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other 
way (=to hell). (Dickens.) 
3. I hope “I shall kick the bucket before I’m as old as grandfather”, he 
thought. (Galsworthy) 
4. I remembered pictures of men in the papers, leaving places like that, and 
being taken away (being arrested). 
5. “I don’t mind, I like being alone”, I said. 
“Do you, by Jove? What an extraordinary thing” 
6. In private I should merely call him a lair. In the press you should use the 
words, “Reckless disregard for truth and in Parliament – that you regret he 
“should have been so misinformed.” (J. Galsworthy)