Euphemism - Wikipedia

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words only definitions & notes
  1. doublespeak
    language that conceals or misrepresents the truth
    This type of euphemism is used in public relations and politics, where it is sometimes called doublespeak.
  2. euphemism
    an inoffensive expression substituted for an offensive one
    Euphemism
    From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphemism
  3. adjectivally
    as an adjective; in an adjectival manner
    Political correctness (adjectivally, politically correct; both forms commonly abbreviated to PC) is a term which denotes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, and age-related contexts, and doing so to an excessive extent.
  4. window cleaner
    someone who cleans windows for pay
    Extreme cases, such as sanitation engineer for janitor, or 'transparent-wall maintenance officer' for window cleaner, are cited humorously more often than they are used seriously.
  5. doublethink
    believing two contradictory ideas at the same time
    Doublespeak


    Doublespeak, often incorrectly assumed to originate from George Orwell's novel 1984 (erroneously combining Orwell's "newspeak" and "doublethink"), is language deliberately constructed to disguise or distort its actual meaning, often resulting in a communication bypass.
  6. newspeak
    deliberately ambiguous and contradictory language use to mislead and manipulate the public
    Doublespeak


    Doublespeak, often incorrectly assumed to originate from George Orwell's novel 1984 (erroneously combining Orwell's "newspeak" and "doublethink"), is language deliberately constructed to disguise or distort its actual meaning, often resulting in a communication bypass.
  7. political correctness
    avoidance of expressions or actions that can be perceived to exclude or marginalize or insult people who are socially disadvantaged or discriminated against
    Political correctness
    From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_correctness
  8. age-related
    changing as an individual's age increases
    Political correctness (adjectivally, politically correct; both forms commonly abbreviated to PC) is a term which denotes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, and age-related contexts, and doing so to an excessive extent.
  9. rat-catcher
    a workman employed to destroy or drive away vermin
    Where the work itself is seen as distasteful, a euphemism may be used, for example "rodent officer" for a rat-catcher, or "cemetery operative" for a gravedigger.
  10. downsize
    reduce in magnitude or number
    Doublespeak may be in the form of bald euphemisms such as "downsizing" or "rightsizing" for "firing of many employees"; or deliberately ambiguous phrases such as "wet work" for "assassination" and "take out" for "destroy".
  11. CPA
    an accountant who has passed certain examinations and met all other statutory and licensing requirements of a United States state to be certified by that state
    Euphemisms in job titles


    Euphemisms are common in job titles; some jobs have complicated titles that make them sound more impressive than the common names would imply, such as CPA in place of car parking attendant.
  12. abbreviate
    shorten
    Political correctness (adjectivally, politically correct; both forms commonly abbreviated to PC) is a term which denotes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, and age-related contexts, and doing so to an excessive extent.
  13. Orwell
    imaginative British writer concerned with social justice
    Doublespeak


    Doublespeak, often incorrectly assumed to originate from George Orwell's novel 1984 (erroneously combining Orwell's "newspeak" and "doublethink"), is language deliberately constructed to disguise or distort its actual meaning, often resulting in a communication bypass.
  14. politically correct
    exhibiting political correctness
    Political correctness (adjectivally, politically correct; both forms commonly abbreviated to PC) is a term which denotes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, and age-related contexts, and doing so to an excessive extent.
  15. George Orwell
    imaginative British writer concerned with social justice
    Doublespeak


    Doublespeak, often incorrectly assumed to originate from George Orwell's novel 1984 (erroneously combining Orwell's "newspeak" and "doublethink"), is language deliberately constructed to disguise or distort its actual meaning, often resulting in a communication bypass.
  16. downsizing
    the process of saving money by cutting expenses
    Doublespeak may be in the form of bald euphemisms such as "downsizing" or "rightsizing" for "firing of many employees"; or deliberately ambiguous phrases such as "wet work" for "assassination" and "take out" for "destroy".
  17. correctness
    conformity to fact or truth
    Political correctness
    From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_correctness
  18. encyclopedia
    a reference work containing articles on various topics
    Euphemism
    From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphemism
  19. gravedigger
    a person who earns a living by digging graves
    Where the work itself is seen as distasteful, a euphemism may be used, for example "rodent officer" for a rat-catcher, or "cemetery operative" for a gravedigger.
  20. janitor
    someone employed to clean and maintain a building
    Extreme cases, such as sanitation engineer for janitor, or 'transparent-wall maintenance officer' for window cleaner, are cited humorously more often than they are used seriously.
  21. equate
    consider or describe as similar or analogous
    Sometimes the use of euphemisms is equated to politeness.
  22. subconsciously
    from the subconscious mind
    There are also superstitious euphemisms, based (consciously or subconsciously) on the idea that words have the power to bring bad fortune, and there are religious euphemisms, based on the idea that some words are holy, or that some words are spiritually perilous (taboo; see etymology).
  23. incorrectly
    in an incorrect manner
    Doublespeak


    Doublespeak, often incorrectly assumed to originate from George Orwell's novel 1984 (erroneously combining Orwell's "newspeak" and "doublethink"), is language deliberately constructed to disguise or distort its actual meaning, often resulting in a communication bypass.
  24. occupational
    relating to an activity or job for which you are trained
    Political correctness (adjectivally, politically correct; both forms commonly abbreviated to PC) is a term which denotes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, and age-related contexts, and doing so to an excessive extent.
  25. rodent
    a mammal having two pairs of ever-growing front teeth for gnawing
    Where the work itself is seen as distasteful, a euphemism may be used, for example "rodent officer" for a rat-catcher, or "cemetery operative" for a gravedigger.
  26. orientation
    the act of determining one's position
    Political correctness (adjectivally, politically correct; both forms commonly abbreviated to PC) is a term which denotes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, and age-related contexts, and doing so to an excessive extent.
  27. abbreviated
    cut short in duration
    Political correctness (adjectivally, politically correct; both forms commonly abbreviated to PC) is a term which denotes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, and age-related contexts, and doing so to an excessive extent.
  28. humorously
    in a humorous manner
    Extreme cases, such as sanitation engineer for janitor, or 'transparent-wall maintenance officer' for window cleaner, are cited humorously more often than they are used seriously.
  29. complicate
    make less simple
    Euphemisms in job titles


    Euphemisms are common in job titles; some jobs have complicated titles that make them sound more impressive than the common names would imply, such as CPA in place of car parking attendant.
  30. literal
    limited to the explicit meaning of a word or text
    Usage


    When a phrase is used as a euphemism, it often becomes a metaphor whose literal meaning is dropped.
  31. sanitation
    the state of being clean and conducive to health
    Extreme cases, such as sanitation engineer for janitor, or 'transparent-wall maintenance officer' for window cleaner, are cited humorously more often than they are used seriously.
  32. erroneously
    in a mistaken manner
    Doublespeak


    Doublespeak, often incorrectly assumed to originate from George Orwell's novel 1984 (erroneously combining Orwell's "newspeak" and "doublethink"), is language deliberately constructed to disguise or distort its actual meaning, often resulting in a communication bypass.
  33. minimize
    make small or insignificant
    Political correctness (adjectivally, politically correct; both forms commonly abbreviated to PC) is a term which denotes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, and age-related contexts, and doing so to an excessive extent.
  34. etymology
    a history of a word
    There are also superstitious euphemisms, based (consciously or subconsciously) on the idea that words have the power to bring bad fortune, and there are religious euphemisms, based on the idea that some words are holy, or that some words are spiritually perilous (taboo; see etymology).
  35. religious belief
    a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny
    Political correctness (adjectivally, politically correct; both forms commonly abbreviated to PC) is a term which denotes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, and age-related contexts, and doing so to an excessive extent.
  36. custodian
    one having charge of buildings or grounds or animals
    Less extreme cases, such as custodian for janitor or administrative assistant for secretary, are considered more terms of respect than euphemisms.
  37. institutional
    relating to an organization founded for a specific purpose
    Political correctness (adjectivally, politically correct; both forms commonly abbreviated to PC) is a term which denotes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, and age-related contexts, and doing so to an excessive extent.
  38. bypass
    avoid something
    Doublespeak


    Doublespeak, often incorrectly assumed to originate from George Orwell's novel 1984 (erroneously combining Orwell's "newspeak" and "doublethink"), is language deliberately constructed to disguise or distort its actual meaning, often resulting in a communication bypass.
  39. accredited
    given official approval to act
    Many of these euphemisms may include words such as engineer, although in fact the people who do the job are not accredited in engineering.
  40. accredit
    grant credentials to
    Many of these euphemisms may include words such as engineer, although in fact the people who do the job are not accredited in engineering.
  41. public relations
    a promotion intended to create goodwill for a person or institution
    This type of euphemism is used in public relations and politics, where it is sometimes called doublespeak.
  42. usage
    the act of employing
    Usage


    When a phrase is used as a euphemism, it often becomes a metaphor whose literal meaning is dropped.
  43. catcher
    the position on a baseball team of the player who is stationed behind home plate and who catches the balls that the pitcher throws
    Where the work itself is seen as distasteful, a euphemism may be used, for example "rodent officer" for a rat-catcher, or "cemetery operative" for a gravedigger.
  44. spiritually
    in a spiritual manner
    There are also superstitious euphemisms, based (consciously or subconsciously) on the idea that words have the power to bring bad fortune, and there are religious euphemisms, based on the idea that some words are holy, or that some words are spiritually perilous (taboo; see etymology).
  45. substitution
    putting one thing or person in the place of another
    Euphemism is a substitution for an expression that may offend or suggest something unpleasant to the receiver, using instead an agreeable or less offensive expression, or to make it less troublesome for the speaker.
  46. originate
    come into existence; take on form or shape
    Doublespeak


    Doublespeak, often incorrectly assumed to originate from George Orwell's novel 1984 (erroneously combining Orwell's "newspeak" and "doublethink"), is language deliberately constructed to disguise or distort its actual meaning, often resulting in a communication bypass.
  47. cleaner
    someone whose job involves tidying and removing dirt or filth
    Extreme cases, such as sanitation engineer for janitor, or 'transparent-wall maintenance officer' for window cleaner, are cited humorously more often than they are used seriously.
  48. taboo
    a ban resulting from social custom or emotional aversion
    There are also superstitious euphemisms, based (consciously or subconsciously) on the idea that words have the power to bring bad fortune, and there are religious euphemisms, based on the idea that some words are holy, or that some words are spiritually perilous (taboo; see etymology).
  49. distasteful
    highly offensive; arousing aversion or disgust
    Where the work itself is seen as distasteful, a euphemism may be used, for example "rodent officer" for a rat-catcher, or "cemetery operative" for a gravedigger.
  50. parking
    the act of maneuvering a vehicle into a location where it can be left temporarily
    Euphemisms in job titles


    Euphemisms are common in job titles; some jobs have complicated titles that make them sound more impressive than the common names would imply, such as CPA in place of car parking attendant.
  51. ambiguous
    having more than one possible meaning
    Doublespeak may be in the form of bald euphemisms such as "downsizing" or "rightsizing" for "firing of many employees"; or deliberately ambiguous phrases such as "wet work" for "assassination" and "take out" for "destroy".
  52. engineer
    a person who uses scientific knowledge to solve problems
    Many of these euphemisms may include words such as engineer, although in fact the people who do the job are not accredited in engineering.
  53. gender
    properties that distinguish organisms on the basis of sex
    Political correctness (adjectivally, politically correct; both forms commonly abbreviated to PC) is a term which denotes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, and age-related contexts, and doing so to an excessive extent.
  54. disability
    a condition that prevents one from performing some task
    Political correctness (adjectivally, politically correct; both forms commonly abbreviated to PC) is a term which denotes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, and age-related contexts, and doing so to an excessive extent.
  55. context
    the set of facts or circumstances that surround a situation
    Political correctness (adjectivally, politically correct; both forms commonly abbreviated to PC) is a term which denotes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, and age-related contexts, and doing so to an excessive extent.
  56. unpleasant
    disagreeable to the senses, to the mind, or feelings
    Euphemism is a substitution for an expression that may offend or suggest something unpleasant to the receiver, using instead an agreeable or less offensive expression, or to make it less troublesome for the speaker.
  57. deliberately
    in a careful unhurried manner
    Doublespeak


    Doublespeak, often incorrectly assumed to originate from George Orwell's novel 1984 (erroneously combining Orwell's "newspeak" and "doublethink"), is language deliberately constructed to disguise or distort its actual meaning, often resulting in a communication bypass.
  58. consciously
    with awareness
    There are also superstitious euphemisms, based (consciously or subconsciously) on the idea that words have the power to bring bad fortune, and there are religious euphemisms, based on the idea that some words are holy, or that some words are spiritually perilous (taboo; see etymology).
  59. offensive
    unpleasant or disgusting especially to the senses
    Euphemism is a substitution for an expression that may offend or suggest something unpleasant to the receiver, using instead an agreeable or less offensive expression, or to make it less troublesome for the speaker.
  60. combining
    the act of combining things to form a new whole
    Doublespeak


    Doublespeak, often incorrectly assumed to originate from George Orwell's novel 1984 (erroneously combining Orwell's "newspeak" and "doublethink"), is language deliberately constructed to disguise or distort its actual meaning, often resulting in a communication bypass.
  61. metaphor
    a figure of speech that suggests a non-literal similarity
    Usage


    When a phrase is used as a euphemism, it often becomes a metaphor whose literal meaning is dropped.
  62. operative
    producing a desired effect
    Where the work itself is seen as distasteful, a euphemism may be used, for example "rodent officer" for a rat-catcher, or "cemetery operative" for a gravedigger.
  63. denote
    have as a meaning
    Political correctness (adjectivally, politically correct; both forms commonly abbreviated to PC) is a term which denotes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, and age-related contexts, and doing so to an excessive extent.
  64. job
    a specific piece of work required to be done as a duty
    Euphemisms in job titles


    Euphemisms are common in job titles; some jobs have complicated titles that make them sound more impressive than the common names would imply, such as CPA in place of car parking attendant.
  65. receiver
    a person who receives something
    Euphemism is a substitution for an expression that may offend or suggest something unpleasant to the receiver, using instead an agreeable or less offensive expression, or to make it less troublesome for the speaker.
  66. distort
    twist and press out of shape
    Doublespeak


    Doublespeak, often incorrectly assumed to originate from George Orwell's novel 1984 (erroneously combining Orwell's "newspeak" and "doublethink"), is language deliberately constructed to disguise or distort its actual meaning, often resulting in a communication bypass.
  67. politeness
    a courteous manner that respects accepted social usage
    Sometimes the use of euphemisms is equated to politeness.
  68. superstitious
    showing faith in magic and ignorance of the laws of nature
    There are also superstitious euphemisms, based (consciously or subconsciously) on the idea that words have the power to bring bad fortune, and there are religious euphemisms, based on the idea that some words are holy, or that some words are spiritually perilous (taboo; see etymology).
  69. title
    the name of a work of art or literary composition
    Euphemisms in job titles


    Euphemisms are common in job titles; some jobs have complicated titles that make them sound more impressive than the common names would imply, such as CPA in place of car parking attendant.
  70. cemetery
    a tract of land used for burials
    Where the work itself is seen as distasteful, a euphemism may be used, for example "rodent officer" for a rat-catcher, or "cemetery operative" for a gravedigger.
  71. disturbing
    causing distress or worry or anxiety
    Euphemisms may be used to hide unpleasant or disturbing ideas, even when the literal term for them is not necessarily offensive.
  72. politically
    with regard to government
    Political correctness (adjectivally, politically correct; both forms commonly abbreviated to PC) is a term which denotes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, and age-related contexts, and doing so to an excessive extent.
  73. assassination
    murder of a public figure by surprise attack
    Doublespeak may be in the form of bald euphemisms such as "downsizing" or "rightsizing" for "firing of many employees"; or deliberately ambiguous phrases such as "wet work" for "assassination" and "take out" for "destroy".
  74. engineering
    applying scientific knowledge to practical problems
    Many of these euphemisms may include words such as engineer, although in fact the people who do the job are not accredited in engineering.
  75. mislead
    take someone in the wrong direction or give wrong directions
    Some euphemisms are intended to amuse, while others are created to mislead.
  76. troublesome
    difficult to deal with
    Euphemism is a substitution for an expression that may offend or suggest something unpleasant to the receiver, using instead an agreeable or less offensive expression, or to make it less troublesome for the speaker.
  77. perilous
    fraught with danger
    There are also superstitious euphemisms, based (consciously or subconsciously) on the idea that words have the power to bring bad fortune, and there are religious euphemisms, based on the idea that some words are holy, or that some words are spiritually perilous (taboo; see etymology).
  78. bald
    lacking hair on all or most of the scalp
    Doublespeak may be in the form of bald euphemisms such as "downsizing" or "rightsizing" for "firing of many employees"; or deliberately ambiguous phrases such as "wet work" for "assassination" and "take out" for "destroy".
  79. offense
    a failure to show regard for others
    Political correctness (adjectivally, politically correct; both forms commonly abbreviated to PC) is a term which denotes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, and age-related contexts, and doing so to an excessive extent.
  80. phrase
    an expression consisting of one or more words
    Usage


    When a phrase is used as a euphemism, it often becomes a metaphor whose literal meaning is dropped.
  81. cultural
    relating to the shared knowledge and values of a society
    Political correctness (adjectivally, politically correct; both forms commonly abbreviated to PC) is a term which denotes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, and age-related contexts, and doing so to an excessive extent.
  82. administrative
    responsible for managing the affairs of a group of people
    Less extreme cases, such as custodian for janitor or administrative assistant for secretary, are considered more terms of respect than euphemisms.
  83. amuse
    occupy in an agreeable, entertaining or pleasant fashion
    Some euphemisms are intended to amuse, while others are created to mislead.
  84. maintenance
    activity involved in keeping something in good working order
    Extreme cases, such as sanitation engineer for janitor, or 'transparent-wall maintenance officer' for window cleaner, are cited humorously more often than they are used seriously.
  85. combine
    put or add together
    Doublespeak


    Doublespeak, often incorrectly assumed to originate from George Orwell's novel 1984 (erroneously combining Orwell's "newspeak" and "doublethink"), is language deliberately constructed to disguise or distort its actual meaning, often resulting in a communication bypass.
  86. used
    previously owned by another
    Usage


    When a phrase is used as a euphemism, it often becomes a metaphor whose literal meaning is dropped.
  87. racial
    of or related to groups of people sharing distinctive traits
    Political correctness (adjectivally, politically correct; both forms commonly abbreviated to PC) is a term which denotes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, and age-related contexts, and doing so to an excessive extent.
  88. deliberate
    carefully thought out in advance
    What distinguishes doublespeak from other euphemisms is its deliberate usage.
  89. extreme
    of the greatest possible degree, extent, or intensity
    Extreme cases, such as sanitation engineer for janitor, or 'transparent-wall maintenance officer' for window cleaner, are cited humorously more often than they are used seriously.
  90. based
    having a base
    There are also superstitious euphemisms, based (consciously or subconsciously) on the idea that words have the power to bring bad fortune, and there are religious euphemisms, based on the idea that some words are holy, or that some words are spiritually perilous (taboo; see etymology).
  91. excessive
    beyond normal limits
    Political correctness (adjectivally, politically correct; both forms commonly abbreviated to PC) is a term which denotes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, and age-related contexts, and doing so to an excessive extent.
  92. disguise
    any attire that conceals the wearer's identity
    Doublespeak


    Doublespeak, often incorrectly assumed to originate from George Orwell's novel 1984 (erroneously combining Orwell's "newspeak" and "doublethink"), is language deliberately constructed to disguise or distort its actual meaning, often resulting in a communication bypass.
  93. in place
    in the original or natural place or site
    Euphemisms in job titles


    Euphemisms are common in job titles; some jobs have complicated titles that make them sound more impressive than the common names would imply, such as CPA in place of car parking attendant.
  94. complicated
    difficult to analyze or understand
    Euphemisms in job titles


    Euphemisms are common in job titles; some jobs have complicated titles that make them sound more impressive than the common names would imply, such as CPA in place of car parking attendant.
  95. impressive
    making a strong or vivid mental image
    Euphemisms in job titles


    Euphemisms are common in job titles; some jobs have complicated titles that make them sound more impressive than the common names would imply, such as CPA in place of car parking attendant.
  96. behavior
    the way a person acts toward other people
    Political correctness (adjectivally, politically correct; both forms commonly abbreviated to PC) is a term which denotes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, and age-related contexts, and doing so to an excessive extent.
  97. idea
    the content of cognition
    Euphemisms may be used to hide unpleasant or disturbing ideas, even when the literal term for them is not necessarily offensive.
  98. in public
    in a manner accessible to or observable by the public
    This type of euphemism is used in public relations and politics, where it is sometimes called doublespeak.
  99. term
    a limited period of time during which something lasts
    Euphemisms may be used to hide unpleasant or disturbing ideas, even when the literal term for them is not necessarily offensive.
  100. cite
    make reference to
    Extreme cases, such as sanitation engineer for janitor, or 'transparent-wall maintenance officer' for window cleaner, are cited humorously more often than they are used seriously.
  101. often
    many times at short intervals
    Usage


    When a phrase is used as a euphemism, it often becomes a metaphor whose literal meaning is dropped.
  102. rat
    any of various long-tailed rodents similar to but larger than a mouse
    Where the work itself is seen as distasteful, a euphemism may be used, for example "rodent officer" for a rat-catcher, or "cemetery operative" for a gravedigger.
  103. political
    involving or characteristic of governing or social power
    Political correctness
    From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_correctness
  104. meaning
    the message that is intended or expressed or signified
    Usage


    When a phrase is used as a euphemism, it often becomes a metaphor whose literal meaning is dropped.
  105. words
    language that is spoken or written
    There are also superstitious euphemisms, based (consciously or subconsciously) on the idea that words have the power to bring bad fortune, and there are religious euphemisms, based on the idea that some words are holy, or that some words are spiritually perilous (taboo; see etymology).
  106. take out
    cause to leave
    Doublespeak may be in the form of bald euphemisms such as "downsizing" or "rightsizing" for "firing of many employees"; or deliberately ambiguous phrases such as "wet work" for "assassination" and "take out" for "destroy".
  107. commonly
    under normal conditions
    Political correctness (adjectivally, politically correct; both forms commonly abbreviated to PC) is a term which denotes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, and age-related contexts, and doing so to an excessive extent.
  108. sexual
    of or relating to or characterized by sexuality
    Political correctness (adjectivally, politically correct; both forms commonly abbreviated to PC) is a term which denotes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, and age-related contexts, and doing so to an excessive extent.
  109. employee
    a worker who is hired to perform a job
    Doublespeak may be in the form of bald euphemisms such as "downsizing" or "rightsizing" for "firing of many employees"; or deliberately ambiguous phrases such as "wet work" for "assassination" and "take out" for "destroy".
  110. relate
    give an account of
    Political correctness (adjectivally, politically correct; both forms commonly abbreviated to PC) is a term which denotes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, and age-related contexts, and doing so to an excessive extent.
  111. attendant
    a person who is present and participates in a meeting
    Euphemisms in job titles


    Euphemisms are common in job titles; some jobs have complicated titles that make them sound more impressive than the common names would imply, such as CPA in place of car parking attendant.
  112. firing
    the act of firing weapons or artillery at an enemy
    Doublespeak may be in the form of bald euphemisms such as "downsizing" or "rightsizing" for "firing of many employees"; or deliberately ambiguous phrases such as "wet work" for "assassination" and "take out" for "destroy".
  113. religious
    having or showing belief in and reverence for a deity
    There are also superstitious euphemisms, based (consciously or subconsciously) on the idea that words have the power to bring bad fortune, and there are religious euphemisms, based on the idea that some words are holy, or that some words are spiritually perilous (taboo; see etymology).
  114. speaker
    someone who expresses in language
    Euphemism is a substitution for an expression that may offend or suggest something unpleasant to the receiver, using instead an agreeable or less offensive expression, or to make it less troublesome for the speaker.
  115. imply
    express or state indirectly
    Euphemisms in job titles


    Euphemisms are common in job titles; some jobs have complicated titles that make them sound more impressive than the common names would imply, such as CPA in place of car parking attendant.
  116. construct
    make by combining materials and parts
    Doublespeak


    Doublespeak, often incorrectly assumed to originate from George Orwell's novel 1984 (erroneously combining Orwell's "newspeak" and "doublethink"), is language deliberately constructed to disguise or distort its actual meaning, often resulting in a communication bypass.
  117. offend
    cause to feel resentment or indignation
    Euphemism is a substitution for an expression that may offend or suggest something unpleasant to the receiver, using instead an agreeable or less offensive expression, or to make it less troublesome for the speaker.
  118. expression
    the communication of your beliefs or opinions
    Euphemism is a substitution for an expression that may offend or suggest something unpleasant to the receiver, using instead an agreeable or less offensive expression, or to make it less troublesome for the speaker.
  119. necessarily
    in such a manner as could not be otherwise
    Euphemisms may be used to hide unpleasant or disturbing ideas, even when the literal term for them is not necessarily offensive.
  120. base
    lowest support of a structure
    There are also superstitious euphemisms, based (consciously or subconsciously) on the idea that words have the power to bring bad fortune, and there are religious euphemisms, based on the idea that some words are holy, or that some words are spiritually perilous (taboo; see etymology).
  121. agreeable
    pleasing to one's own tastes, feelings, or nature
    Euphemism is a substitution for an expression that may offend or suggest something unpleasant to the receiver, using instead an agreeable or less offensive expression, or to make it less troublesome for the speaker.
  122. assume
    take to be the case or to be true
    Doublespeak


    Doublespeak, often incorrectly assumed to originate from George Orwell's novel 1984 (erroneously combining Orwell's "newspeak" and "doublethink"), is language deliberately constructed to disguise or distort its actual meaning, often resulting in a communication bypass.
  123. such
    of so extreme a degree or extent
    Euphemisms in job titles


    Euphemisms are common in job titles; some jobs have complicated titles that make them sound more impressive than the common names would imply, such as CPA in place of car parking attendant.
  124. language
    a means of communicating by the use of sounds or symbols
    Doublespeak


    Doublespeak, often incorrectly assumed to originate from George Orwell's novel 1984 (erroneously combining Orwell's "newspeak" and "doublethink"), is language deliberately constructed to disguise or distort its actual meaning, often resulting in a communication bypass.
  125. create
    bring into existence
    Some euphemisms are intended to amuse, while others are created to mislead.
  126. assumed
    adopted in order to deceive
    Doublespeak


    Doublespeak, often incorrectly assumed to originate from George Orwell's novel 1984 (erroneously combining Orwell's "newspeak" and "doublethink"), is language deliberately constructed to disguise or distort its actual meaning, often resulting in a communication bypass.
  127. park
    a piece of open land for recreational use in an urban area
    Euphemisms in job titles


    Euphemisms are common in job titles; some jobs have complicated titles that make them sound more impressive than the common names would imply, such as CPA in place of car parking attendant.
  128. related
    connected logically or causally or by shared characteristics
    Political correctness (adjectivally, politically correct; both forms commonly abbreviated to PC) is a term which denotes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, and age-related contexts, and doing so to an excessive extent.
  129. assistant
    a person who contributes to the furtherance of an effort
    Less extreme cases, such as custodian for janitor or administrative assistant for secretary, are considered more terms of respect than euphemisms.
  130. seriously
    in a solemn manner
    Extreme cases, such as sanitation engineer for janitor, or 'transparent-wall maintenance officer' for window cleaner, are cited humorously more often than they are used seriously.
  131. seeking
    the act of searching for something
    Political correctness (adjectivally, politically correct; both forms commonly abbreviated to PC) is a term which denotes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, and age-related contexts, and doing so to an excessive extent.
  132. less
    a quantifier meaning not as great in amount or degree
    Euphemism is a substitution for an expression that may offend or suggest something unpleasant to the receiver, using instead an agreeable or less offensive expression, or to make it less troublesome for the speaker.
  133. destroy
    do away with; cause the ruin or undoing of
    Doublespeak may be in the form of bald euphemisms such as "downsizing" or "rightsizing" for "firing of many employees"; or deliberately ambiguous phrases such as "wet work" for "assassination" and "take out" for "destroy".
  134. word
    a unit of language that native speakers can identify
    There are also superstitious euphemisms, based (consciously or subconsciously) on the idea that words have the power to bring bad fortune, and there are religious euphemisms, based on the idea that some words are holy, or that some words are spiritually perilous (taboo; see etymology).
  135. for example
    as an example
    Where the work itself is seen as distasteful, a euphemism may be used, for example "rodent officer" for a rat-catcher, or "cemetery operative" for a gravedigger.
  136. wet
    wetness caused by water
    Doublespeak may be in the form of bald euphemisms such as "downsizing" or "rightsizing" for "firing of many employees"; or deliberately ambiguous phrases such as "wet work" for "assassination" and "take out" for "destroy".
  137. actual
    existing in fact
    Doublespeak


    Doublespeak, often incorrectly assumed to originate from George Orwell's novel 1984 (erroneously combining Orwell's "newspeak" and "doublethink"), is language deliberately constructed to disguise or distort its actual meaning, often resulting in a communication bypass.
  138. include
    have as a part; be made up out of
    Many of these euphemisms may include words such as engineer, although in fact the people who do the job are not accredited in engineering.
  139. correct
    free from error; especially conforming to fact or truth
    Political correctness (adjectivally, politically correct; both forms commonly abbreviated to PC) is a term which denotes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, and age-related contexts, and doing so to an excessive extent.
  140. communication
    the activity of conveying information
    Doublespeak


    Doublespeak, often incorrectly assumed to originate from George Orwell's novel 1984 (erroneously combining Orwell's "newspeak" and "doublethink"), is language deliberately constructed to disguise or distort its actual meaning, often resulting in a communication bypass.
  141. disturb
    trouble deeply
    Euphemisms may be used to hide unpleasant or disturbing ideas, even when the literal term for them is not necessarily offensive.
  142. using
    an act that exploits or victimizes someone
    Euphemism is a substitution for an expression that may offend or suggest something unpleasant to the receiver, using instead an agreeable or less offensive expression, or to make it less troublesome for the speaker.
  143. officer
    a member of a police force
    Extreme cases, such as sanitation engineer for janitor, or 'transparent-wall maintenance officer' for window cleaner, are cited humorously more often than they are used seriously.
  144. sometimes
    on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
    This type of euphemism is used in public relations and politics, where it is sometimes called doublespeak.
  145. common
    having no special distinction or quality
    Euphemisms in job titles


    Euphemisms are common in job titles; some jobs have complicated titles that make them sound more impressive than the common names would imply, such as CPA in place of car parking attendant.
  146. politics
    the activities involved in managing a state or a government
    This type of euphemism is used in public relations and politics, where it is sometimes called doublespeak.
  147. free
    able to act at will
    Euphemism
    From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphemism
  148. novel
    an extended fictional work in prose
    Doublespeak


    Doublespeak, often incorrectly assumed to originate from George Orwell's novel 1984 (erroneously combining Orwell's "newspeak" and "doublethink"), is language deliberately constructed to disguise or distort its actual meaning, often resulting in a communication bypass.
  149. extent
    the point or degree to which something extends
    Political correctness (adjectivally, politically correct; both forms commonly abbreviated to PC) is a term which denotes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, and age-related contexts, and doing so to an excessive extent.
  150. belief
    any cognitive content held as true
    Political correctness (adjectivally, politically correct; both forms commonly abbreviated to PC) is a term which denotes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, and age-related contexts, and doing so to an excessive extent.
  151. relations
    mutual dealings or connections or communications among persons or groups
    This type of euphemism is used in public relations and politics, where it is sometimes called doublespeak.
  152. type
    a subdivision of a particular kind of thing
    This type of euphemism is used in public relations and politics, where it is sometimes called doublespeak.
  153. intended
    resulting from one's intentions
    Some euphemisms are intended to amuse, while others are created to mislead.
  154. may
    thorny shrub of a small tree having white to scarlet flowers
    Euphemism is a substitution for an expression that may offend or suggest something unpleasant to the receiver, using instead an agreeable or less offensive expression, or to make it less troublesome for the speaker.
  155. distinguish
    mark as different
    What distinguishes doublespeak from other euphemisms is its deliberate usage.
  156. terms
    status with respect to the relations between people or groups
    Less extreme cases, such as custodian for janitor or administrative assistant for secretary, are considered more terms of respect than euphemisms.
  157. in fact
    in reality or actuality
    Many of these euphemisms may include words such as engineer, although in fact the people who do the job are not accredited in engineering.
  158. names
    verbal abuse; a crude substitute for argument
    Euphemisms in job titles


    Euphemisms are common in job titles; some jobs have complicated titles that make them sound more impressive than the common names would imply, such as CPA in place of car parking attendant.
  159. consider
    think about carefully; weigh
    Less extreme cases, such as custodian for janitor or administrative assistant for secretary, are considered more terms of respect than euphemisms.
  160. holy
    belonging to or associated with a divine power
    There are also superstitious euphemisms, based (consciously or subconsciously) on the idea that words have the power to bring bad fortune, and there are religious euphemisms, based on the idea that some words are holy, or that some words are spiritually perilous (taboo; see etymology).
  161. case
    an occurrence of something
    Extreme cases, such as sanitation engineer for janitor, or 'transparent-wall maintenance officer' for window cleaner, are cited humorously more often than they are used seriously.
  162. fortune
    your overall circumstances or condition in life
    There are also superstitious euphemisms, based (consciously or subconsciously) on the idea that words have the power to bring bad fortune, and there are religious euphemisms, based on the idea that some words are holy, or that some words are spiritually perilous (taboo; see etymology).
  163. some
    quantifier
    Some euphemisms are intended to amuse, while others are created to mislead.
  164. intend
    have in mind as a purpose
    Some euphemisms are intended to amuse, while others are created to mislead.
  165. form
    a perceptual structure
    Doublespeak may be in the form of bald euphemisms such as "downsizing" or "rightsizing" for "firing of many employees"; or deliberately ambiguous phrases such as "wet work" for "assassination" and "take out" for "destroy".
  166. considered
    carefully weighed
    Less extreme cases, such as custodian for janitor or administrative assistant for secretary, are considered more terms of respect than euphemisms.
  167. policy
    a plan of action adopted by an individual or social group
    Political correctness (adjectivally, politically correct; both forms commonly abbreviated to PC) is a term which denotes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, and age-related contexts, and doing so to an excessive extent.
  168. social
    living together or enjoying life in communities
    Political correctness (adjectivally, politically correct; both forms commonly abbreviated to PC) is a term which denotes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, and age-related contexts, and doing so to an excessive extent.
  169. relation
    the state or quality of having something in common
    This type of euphemism is used in public relations and politics, where it is sometimes called doublespeak.
  170. make it
    succeed in a big way; get to the top
    Euphemism is a substitution for an expression that may offend or suggest something unpleasant to the receiver, using instead an agreeable or less offensive expression, or to make it less troublesome for the speaker.
  171. secretary
    an assistant who handles correspondence and clerical work
    Less extreme cases, such as custodian for janitor or administrative assistant for secretary, are considered more terms of respect than euphemisms.
  172. suggest
    make a proposal; declare a plan for something
    Euphemism is a substitution for an expression that may offend or suggest something unpleasant to the receiver, using instead an agreeable or less offensive expression, or to make it less troublesome for the speaker.
  173. used to
    in the habit
    Euphemisms may be used to hide unpleasant or disturbing ideas, even when the literal term for them is not necessarily offensive.
  174. example
    an item of information that is typical of a class or group
    Where the work itself is seen as distasteful, a euphemism may be used, for example "rodent officer" for a rat-catcher, or "cemetery operative" for a gravedigger.
  175. car
    a motor vehicle with four wheels
    Euphemisms in job titles


    Euphemisms are common in job titles; some jobs have complicated titles that make them sound more impressive than the common names would imply, such as CPA in place of car parking attendant.
  176. hide
    prevent from being seen or discovered
    Euphemisms may be used to hide unpleasant or disturbing ideas, even when the literal term for them is not necessarily offensive.
  177. George
    King of Great Britain and Ireland from 1760 to 1820
    Doublespeak


    Doublespeak, often incorrectly assumed to originate from George Orwell's novel 1984 (erroneously combining Orwell's "newspeak" and "doublethink"), is language deliberately constructed to disguise or distort its actual meaning, often resulting in a communication bypass.
  178. instead
    in place of, or as an alternative to
    Euphemism is a substitution for an expression that may offend or suggest something unpleasant to the receiver, using instead an agreeable or less offensive expression, or to make it less troublesome for the speaker.
  179. mean
    denote or connote
    Usage


    When a phrase is used as a euphemism, it often becomes a metaphor whose literal meaning is dropped.
  180. respect
    regard highly; think much of
    Less extreme cases, such as custodian for janitor or administrative assistant for secretary, are considered more terms of respect than euphemisms.
  181. drop
    let fall to the ground
    Usage


    When a phrase is used as a euphemism, it often becomes a metaphor whose literal meaning is dropped.
  182. seek
    try to locate, discover, or establish the existence of
    Political correctness (adjectivally, politically correct; both forms commonly abbreviated to PC) is a term which denotes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, and age-related contexts, and doing so to an excessive extent.
  183. window
    a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
    Extreme cases, such as sanitation engineer for janitor, or 'transparent-wall maintenance officer' for window cleaner, are cited humorously more often than they are used seriously.
  184. bring
    take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
    There are also superstitious euphemisms, based (consciously or subconsciously) on the idea that words have the power to bring bad fortune, and there are religious euphemisms, based on the idea that some words are holy, or that some words are spiritually perilous (taboo; see etymology).
  185. result
    something that follows as a consequence
    Doublespeak


    Doublespeak, often incorrectly assumed to originate from George Orwell's novel 1984 (erroneously combining Orwell's "newspeak" and "doublethink"), is language deliberately constructed to disguise or distort its actual meaning, often resulting in a communication bypass.
  186. wall
    an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
    Extreme cases, such as sanitation engineer for janitor, or 'transparent-wall maintenance officer' for window cleaner, are cited humorously more often than they are used seriously.
  187. more
    greater in size or amount or extent or degree
    Euphemisms in job titles


    Euphemisms are common in job titles; some jobs have complicated titles that make them sound more impressive than the common names would imply, such as CPA in place of car parking attendant.
  188. many
    a large number of the persons or things being discussed
    Many of these euphemisms may include words such as engineer, although in fact the people who do the job are not accredited in engineering.
  189. work
    activity directed toward making or doing something
    Where the work itself is seen as distasteful, a euphemism may be used, for example "rodent officer" for a rat-catcher, or "cemetery operative" for a gravedigger.
  190. see
    perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
    There are also superstitious euphemisms, based (consciously or subconsciously) on the idea that words have the power to bring bad fortune, and there are religious euphemisms, based on the idea that some words are holy, or that some words are spiritually perilous (taboo; see etymology).
  191. sound
    mechanical vibrations transmitted by an elastic medium
    Euphemisms in job titles


    Euphemisms are common in job titles; some jobs have complicated titles that make them sound more impressive than the common names would imply, such as CPA in place of car parking attendant.
  192. age
    how long something has existed
    Political correctness (adjectivally, politically correct; both forms commonly abbreviated to PC) is a term which denotes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, and age-related contexts, and doing so to an excessive extent.
  193. public
    not private
    This type of euphemism is used in public relations and politics, where it is sometimes called doublespeak.
  194. bad
    having undesirable or negative qualities
    There are also superstitious euphemisms, based (consciously or subconsciously) on the idea that words have the power to bring bad fortune, and there are religious euphemisms, based on the idea that some words are holy, or that some words are spiritually perilous (taboo; see etymology).
  195. use
    put into service
    Sometimes the use of euphemisms is equated to politeness.
Created on Sun Mar 27 10:49:30 EDT 2011

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