Definition

1. Noun:
   • Euphemism: A mild, indirect, or vague word or expression used in place of one considered to be too harsh, blunt, offensive, or unpleasant when referring to something distressing or embarrassing.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • "Qua đời" là một uyển ngữ cho "chết". ("Passed away" is a euphemism for "died.")
  • Trong nhiều nền văn hóa, người ta dùng uyển ngữ khi nói về các chủ đề nhạy cảm. (In many cultures, people use euphemisms when speaking about sensitive topics.)
  • "Hơi đầy đặn" đôi khi chỉ là một uyển ngữ. ("A bit full-figured" is sometimes just a euphemism.)

Advanced Usage

• Euphemistic language: Refers to the broader style of speaking or writing that consistently employs euphemisms.
  • Văn bản chính trị thường chứa đầy ngôn ngữ uyển ngữ. (Political texts are often full of euphemistic language.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nói giảm, nói tránh (idiomatic phrase): This is a common Vietnamese phrase meaning "to say it in a reduced/softened way, to avoid saying it directly," which is the act of using euphemisms.
  • Ông ấy rất giỏi nghệ thuật nói giảm nói tránh. (He is very skilled in the art of euphemism.)

Synonyms

• Softened term
• Polite expression
• Indirect language

Related Concepts

• Dysphemism: The opposite of a euphemism; a harsh or offensive term used instead of a neutral or polite one.
• Circumlocution: The use of many words to say something that could be said more briefly, often involving euphemistic expressions.