
I need to spend a penny
A euphemism is a mild, indirect or evasive expression that takes the place of one that is taboo, offensive, unpleasant or embarrassing: especially words relating to death, sexual activity, bodily functions, and violence.
euphemistic – adjective
euphemistically – adverb
Here are some common euphemisms:
♦ terminate – kill
We must terminate him before he reaches the border.
♦ friendly fire – an attack that comes from one’s own side that accidentally kills or injures one’s own soldiers
Ten soldiers were seriously injured in friendly fire.
♦ collateral damage – the killing of civilians by mistake (especially by the military)
They say that some collateral damage is inevitable during military action.
♦ lost their lives – were killed
Many people lost their lives in the accident.
♦ put to sleep – (an animal) euthanized by a vet
We had to have our dog put to sleep yesterday.
♦ pass water – urinate
I don’t know what’s wrong with me: I’m passing water ten times a day!
♦ spend a penny – urinate
Can we stop here? I need to spend a penny.
♦ sleep with – have sex with
Have you slept with him?
♦ tired and emotional – drunk
You’d better take him home, he’s a bit tired and emotional.
♦ full-figured – overweight
Clothes for the full-figured man or woman.
♦ a few extra pounds – overweight
He’s carrying a few extra pounds compared to when we last met.
♦ over the hill – old
I’m not over the hill yet!
♦ the big C – cancer
Did you hear that Mrs Jones has the big C?
♦ pass away – die
Her grandmother passed away last night.
♦ kick the bucket – die
He worked hard for forty years and then kicked the bucket the day after he retired.
♦ didn’t make it – died
I’m sorry to say he didn’t make it.
♦ let go – fired (from a job)
The business is in trouble and six of us have been let go.
♦ between jobs – unemployed
I’m an actor but I’m between jobs at the moment.
Corruption around the world
This article on the BBC website has examples from around the world of euphemisms for bribes.
For example:
Nokia box (Hungarian)
Money for tea (Pashto/Farsi)
Can you translate and share some euphemisms from your language? I’d love to see your examples.
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