Euphemism

An euphemism is a generally harmless word, name, or phrase that replaces an offensive or suggestive one. Some euphemisms intend to amuse, while others intend to give positive appearances to negative events or even mislead entirely. Euphemisms are used for dissimulation, to refer to taboo topics (such as disability, sex, or death) in a polite way, and to mask profanity. The opposite of euphemism roughly equates to dysphemism.

Euphemisms are used in a variety of situations for numerous reasons. A person who wishes to be vague might conceal words that are too precise in the social context. For example an acquaintance might knock on a bedroom door and ask the occupant, "Are you decent?" Such a question is a euphemism for "Is your body clothed to the extent that you will feel comfortable if I enter and see you?" Euphemistic language is also used to replace crude or inappropriate language, such as saying, "I am indisposed" to replace specifics such as, "I am sitting on the toilet defecating." And if profanity is undesirable, a person might simply forgo the offensive word, such as saying, "Kiss my you-know-what!" instead of the more vulgar, "Kiss my ass."