Definition of Euphemism

A euphemism is a polite or mild word or expression used to refer to something embarrassing, taboo, or unpleasant. Euphemisms are especially common in reference to bodily functions and illegal behavior, and to substitute for curse words. For example, we use many words and phrases to refer to urination: “I have to use the little boys’ room,” “I have to go to the bathroom,” and “I have to see a man about a horse” are all evasive ways of referring to the same thing.

Types of Euphemisms

Within the definition of euphemism, there are many different sub-categories. Here are some of the different types of euphemisms:

• Phonetic modification: We modify strong swear words or words that are not meant to be spoken lightly (i.e., God or Jesus) so that the new phonetic euphemism sounds very similar to the original, but just different enough so that it’s inoffensive. Modifications may take the case of shortening the word or expression (Jeez, What the); intentional mispronunciations (shoot, shut the front door, dang, fudge); or using an acronym or one letter to represent the curse word (WTF, B-word, A-hole).
• Figures of speech: Many euphemisms come in the form of different figures of speech. These may be ambiguous statements (let’s do it, she’s a piece of work); metaphors (make the beast with two backs, a visit from the stork, kick the bucket); or other understatements or comparisons.
• Slang: Plenty of slang terms come to stand for taboo words or expressions. Since slang can vary greatly from one region or country to the next, at times some expressions have very different euphemistic meanings. For example, in the USA, “pissed” means angry, whereas in the UK it means drunk.

Common Examples of Euphemism

There are many hundreds or even thousands of examples of euphemisms that we use in everyday speech. Here is a short list of euphemistic expressions and the thing they refer to:

• In a better place; pass away; meet your maker—to die
• In a family way; with child; bun in the oven—to be pregnant
• Riding the crimson wave; visit from Aunt Flo; period—menstruation
• Gosh darn it; what the F; holy shiiii; beyotch—curse word modifications
• Three sheets to the wind; wasted; go on a bender—drunk

Significance of Euphemism in Literature

·         Authors generally use euphemisms to portray the natural way in which people speak. Writers do not usually feel the need to tiptoe around difficult, delicate, or embarrassing topics; indeed, part of the importance of poetry and prose is dealing with those issues head-on. However, euphemisms can be a good reflection of the setting, whether in time period, culture, or attitudes of the characters in the story. We will see this in different ways in the examples of euphemisms below.

 Reference : http://www.literarydevices.com/euphemism/