Definition of EUPHEMISM

euphemism

Meanings

Plural: euphemisms

Noun

  • an inoffensive or indirect expression that is substituted for one that is considered offensive or too harsh
  • The use of a word or phrase to replace another one that is more offensive, blunt or vulgar.
  • A word or phrase that replaces another in this way.

Origin / Etymology

Recorded since 1656; from Ancient Greek εὐφημισμός (euphēmismós), from εὐφημίζω (euphēmízō), from εὔφημος (eúphēmos, “uttering sound of good omen, abstaining from inauspicious words”), from εὖ (eû, “well”) + φήμη (phḗmē, “a voice, a prophetic voice, rumor, talk”), from φημί (phēmí, “to speak, say”).

Synonyms

perfumed terms of the time

Antonyms

dysphemism, expletive

Scrabble Score: 18

euphemism is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
euphemism is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
euphemism is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 21

euphemism is a valid Words With Friends word