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This week's topic: Euphemisms

January 15 - 20, 1996

(c)1996 by Nicholas E. Miller

**************************************** Vol. 1 No. 2 ***

Yes, that's right; euphemisms! For those who need a definition, we might say that this is the use or substitution of a word or phrase for an offensive, blunt or rude term. As with most things in English, this is not a short, simple list. Rather we will look at only a few examples for a handful of terms. (Note: while most people try to soften something, others may take the opposite approach!)

Please note: The "Vulgar / Common Term" can be used both with the meaning of the technical term as well as a bad word / fighting word. Beginning students are advised against using the words marked with a 3 in their daily conversation.

Technical Term Vulgar / Common Term Euphemism
diedie pass away, go to Heaven1
defecate shit3 shoot, poo poo2, relieve myself
urinate piss3 pee pee2, take a leak, relieve myself
diarrhea diarrhea the runs, Montezuma's Revenge
copulate, have intercourse fuck3 fudge (when used as a 'bad' word, not sexual meaning)
Jesus Christ, Jesus, Christ Jesus Christ3, Jesus3, Christ3 Jimminy Cricket, Jees, Criminy
buttocks, mule/donkey ass3 bottom2, mule/donkey
condemn (God) damn3, (God) damn it3 (Gosh) darn, (Gosh) darn it

Notes:

1 Christian usage???

2 Used by children

3Warning: offensive to some people

Some of these, when used as insults or fighting words, CAN NOT be softened - go fudge yourself and darn you are ridiculous.

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