Ever wondered how you can tell someone something but you are afraid it might appear a little
strident or bellicose?

Well most of us might have already mastered the art of language of defense strategies. We
usually use euphemisms (without realizing it) to appear less offensive when we are talking
about sensitive issues.

When a phrase is used as a euphemism, it often becomes a metaphor whose literal meaning
is dropped. Euphemisms are often used to hide unpleasant or disturbing ideas, even when the
literal term for them is not necessarily offensive. This type of euphemism is used in public
relations and politics, where it is sometimes called doublespeak. There are also superstitious
euphemisms, based (consciously or unconsciously) on the idea that words have the power to
bring bad fortune (for example, not speaking the word "cancer”) and religious euphemisms,
based on the idea that some words are sacred, or that some words are spiritually imperiling.

Euphemisms can come in these categories:

• Terms of foreign origin (derriere, copulation, perspire, urinate)

• Abbreviations (btw for "by the way")

• Abstractions (it, the situation, go)

• Indirections (behind, unmentionables)

• Mispronunciation (goldarnit, freakin)

• Plays on abbreviations ("Sugar Honey Iced Tea")

When we alter the pronunciation or spelling of a taboo word (such as a swear word) to form
a euphemism, it is known as a taboo deformation. I am sure most of us have found several
ways to say the infamous four-letter word!

Here’s some interesting euphemisms for you! Try to guess their actual meaning!

Let’s start with the easy ones…

1.Put him out of his misery
2.Restroom
3.Making love to
4.Sanitation worker
5.Mixologist

Let the challenge begin..

1.Headcount Adjustment or RIF
2.Outsource
3.Differently Able
4.Wet Work
5.Physical Persuasion
6. Ethnic Cleansing
7. Internment Facility
8. Comfort Women
9. Illegal Alien
10. Customer Service Representative