Avoiding euphemisms

Euphemisms, nice-sounding words or phrases substituted for words thought to sound harsh or ugly, are sometimes appropriate. It is customary, for example, to say that a couple is “sleeping together” or that someone has “passed away.”

Some euphemisms, however, are needlessly evasive or even deceitful. Like pretentious language, they obscure the intended meaning.

Euphemisms and plain English alternatives

Exercise: Jargon, pretentious language, euphemisms, and doublespeak 1

Exercise: Jargon, pretentious language, euphemisms, and doublespeak 2