Euphemism

Figures of speech are literary devices which are used to convey ideas that go beyond their literal meaning.

In English, there are more than 200 different types of figures of speech. Metonymy is one of them.

Euphemism Meaning

Euphemism is a figure of speech where an offensive or harsh word is replaced with a softer and less offending expression. The writer or the poet makes the unpleasant sound poetic and polite, by using a euphemism.

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The Sharma‘s dog was put to sleep because it was in a lot of pain. (The term ‘put to sleep‘ is a less offensive term used instead of ‘killed‘ or ‘euthanised‘.)
Let us offer a prayer in memory of those departed. (The term ‘the departed‘ is a milder expression used instead of ‘the dead‘.)

Euphemism Examples

Following are some famous examples of Euphemism:

“For the time being,” he explains, “it had been found necessary to make a readjustment of rations.”
(The term ‘a readjustment of rations‘ is a milder term for a reduction in the food supply.)
—George Orwell, Animal Farm

“But he could do little for them; and now he is gone“
(The phrase ‘he is gone‘ stands for death.)
—Thomas Hardy, Afterward

“And will any say when my bell of quittance is heard in the gloom”
(The phrase ‘my bell of quittance‘ stands for the death knell or a bell which is rung in the event of a person‘s death.)
—Thomas Hardy, Afterward

“The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the States…but a Tax or duty may be imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each Person.”
(The term ‘Persons‘ is a milder term used for slaves.)
— Constitution of the United States, Article 1, Section 9