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Guide

Euphemism examples: 30 gentle ways to say it

What a euphemism is, why we use them, how they differ from hyperbole and dysphemism, and 30 everyday euphemism examples sorted by topic.

By Polarzinho ·

Polarzinho with a sheepish smile hiding an empty plate behind his back, in a cozy room

I am not greedy. I just have a very enthusiastic appetite. That is a euphemism: a gentler way to say something.

A euphemism replaces a harsh or unpleasant word with a softer one. Here are 30 examples we use without even noticing.

Play Letter River Play Stop!

Everyday euphemisms

  • Economical with the truth (lying)
  • Under the weather (sick)
  • A little thin on top (bald)
  • Full-figured (overweight)
  • Between paychecks (out of money)
  • Powder room (bathroom)
  • Restroom (toilet)
  • Pre-owned (used)
  • Vertically challenged (short, said as a joke)
  • Borrowed without asking (took)

At work and school

  • Let go (fired)
  • Downsizing (layoffs)
  • Between jobs (unemployed)
  • Needs improvement (did badly)
  • Did not meet expectations (failed)
  • Revisit the project (the project failed)
  • Flexible with deadlines (always late)
  • Very energetic (cannot sit still)
  • Constructive feedback (criticism)
  • Taking a career break (not working)

Sensitive topics

  • Passed away (died)
  • No longer with us (died)
  • Lost (died)
  • Resting in peace (dead)
  • Senior citizen (old person)
  • Golden years (old age)
  • Low-income (poor)
  • Correctional facility (prison)
  • Conflict (war)
  • Collateral damage (civilian casualties)

Euphemism, hyperbole and dysphemism

  • Euphemism: softens ("he was economical with the truth")
  • Hyperbole: exaggerates ("I have told you a million times")
  • Dysphemism: the opposite of a euphemism, making something sound harsher

The blog also has full posts on hyperbole examples and figurative language.

Practice by playing

In Stop!, the quick category game, when you lose a round you can say you "had a learning experience". It is a euphemism, but it helps.

Stop! home screen with the options to play with the crowd or create a room with friends

PolarzinhoI did not lose at Stop!. I "let others shine".

Stop!: play with the crowd or create a room with friends.

And in Letter River, every clue is vocabulary practice.

Letter River letter board next to the list of clues, with a river and mountains behind

PolarzinhoThe otter in Letter River is not slow. She is "contemplative".

Letter River: the letter board and the clues beside it.

FAQ

What is a euphemism?

A softer word or phrase used instead of a harsh one: "passed away" instead of "died".

What is the opposite of a euphemism?

A dysphemism, which makes something sound harsher.

Why do people use euphemisms?

To be polite, to be kind in sad moments, or sometimes to make bad news sound better.

Your turn

Create a euphemism for: "my room is a mess" and "I forgot my homework".

Play Letter River Play Stop!