Etymology and usage The word euphemism comes from the Greek word ευφημία (euphemia)‚ meaning "the use of words of good omen"‚ which in turn is derived from the Greek root-words eu (ευ)‚ "good/well" + pheme (φήμι) "speech/speaking"‚ meaning glory‚ flattering speech‚ praise. Etymologically‚ the eupheme is the opposite of the blaspheme (evil-speaking). The term euphemism itself was used as a euphemism by the ancient Greeks‚ meaning "to keep a holy silence" (speaking well by not speaking at all). Historical
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“The word style is originally derived from the Latin word ‘stylus’ which meant a short stick sharp at one end and flat at the other used by the Romans for writing on wax tablets”(Galperin 11). Nowadays the word “stylus” according to Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary means “a special pen used to write a text or draw an image on a special computer screen.” We clearly see that the meaning of the word style has been changed greatly. According to Longman dictionary “style is a particular
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objectives of this bachelor thesis are euphemisms and their usage in today´s English. Euphemisms are indirect expressions that are used instead of harsher ones to avoid unpleasant moments‚ embarrassment‚ or offence. They are used in sensitive social areas where direct speaking is unsuitable‚ like death‚ diseases or sex. The concern of indirect speaking can be either on the side of a speaker‚ on the side of an audience or on the side of a third side. Euphemisms are use to replace social taboos‚ swearing
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on the origin of English Euphemism and its social communicative function Posted:2008-5-22 17:06:00 views:14621 [Abstract] Euphemism‚ as a common linguistic phenomenon in world culture‚ is widely used in every social class and field. English euphemism‚ as one of many euphemisms existing in the world‚ has its own deep origin‚ which include both the religious origin and the historical‚ literary origin. This thesis will try to discuss the origin of English euphemism from every aspect of religion
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However‚ it sometimes occurs that cognitive and communicative principles are overridden because of the speaker’s expressive needs or a particular social situation. The violation of the principles in question may result in the use of metonymy – based euphemisms which I will try to explore in the following discussion. As it was mentioned before‚ there are certain cognitive and communicative principles which account for the choice of preferred metonymic vehicles. Among cognitive principles we distinguish
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Neil Postman‚ a famous writer‚ professor of media ecology at New York University‚ in “Euphemism” discusses the social and cultural significance of euphemism by tackling its aspects. Firstly‚ Postman begins his expository with a common‚ dictionary-entry-type definition of euphemism” – an auspicious or exalted term that is used in place of more down- to earth term. Postman reveals that euphemism has got a bad name because it is a way to give pretty names to essentially ugly realities. And he
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1 Introduction Since the 1970s‚ one of the biggest changes in modern English has been the return of euphemism. The English word "euphemism ’ ’ originated from the Greek word "euphemismos"‚ which means "fair or good speech". The prefix "eu" means "good‚ sounds well good" and the root ’ ’pheme ’ ’ means ’ ’saying or speech ’ ’. And thus the literal meaning of ’ ’euphemism ’ ’ is ’ ’good speech ’ ’ or ’ ’saying something that sounds well good” (Liu Chunbao‚ 2001). (This is ungrammatical
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A euphemism is the substitution of an agreeable or less offensive expression in place of one that may offend or suggest something unpleasant to the listener;[1] or in the case of doublespeak‚ to make it less troublesome for the speaker.[citation needed] It also may be a substitution of a description of something or someone rather than the name‚ to avoid revealing secret‚ holy‚ or sacred names to the uninitiated‚ or to obscure the identity of the subject of a conversation from potential eavesdroppers
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Examples of Euphemism A euphemism is a polite expression used in place of words or phrases that otherwise might be considered harsh or unpleasant to hear. Euphemisms are used regularly‚ and there are many examples in every day language. Ads by Google Create eBooks Online‚ Use Our Free Software to Publish Your Book and Get Paid For It! www.foboko.com Types of Euphemisms To Soften an Expression Some euphemisms are used in order to make a blunt or unpleasant truth seem less harsh. Examples of
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your child from feeling sad or grieving‚ it’s to encourage them to express their feelings and to help them develop coping skills that will serve them well into adulthood. ➧ Be Direct With Your Child When discussing death with a child‚ never use euphemisms that may be scary‚ like saying that the dead person has simply “gone to sleep.” Not only can that kind of
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