euphemisms

Noun

euphemism (countable and uncountable, plural euphemisms)

1. (uncountable) The use of a word or phrase to replace another one that is more offensive, blunt or vulgar.
   • Akin to it [litotes] is euphemism, which may be applied to the same purpose.a. 1803, James Beattie, “Of Rhetorick”, in Elements of Moral Science, volume III, Philadelphia: Hopkins and Earle, published 1809, section I, page 118
2. (countable) A word or phrase that replaces another in this way.
   • When it is said of the martyr St. Stephen, that “he fell asleep,” instead of—he died, the euphemism partakes of the nature of metaphor, intimating a resemblance between sleep and the death of such a person.a. 1803, James Beattie, “Of Rhetorick”, in Elements of Moral Science, volume III, Philadelphia: Hopkins and Earle, published 1809, section I, page 118

   Synonyms:

   codeword, genteelism