What is euphemism in literature

Writers often tackle subjects that can be painful, such as death or heartbreak. Euphemism is an excellent literary device for writers, and poets in particular, to communicate meaning when it comes to these painful subjects. Figurative language through euphemism can allow readers to feel less confronted as they might by harsh, literal wording. As a result, meaning is enhanced through figure of speech. Euphemism is often inherently humorous.

In attempting to replace wording or phrasing that is impolite or offensive, euphemisms can range from being unclear to nonsensical. They have no meaning as stand alone phrases without the context of the literal abstraction. However, euphemisms can be a way for writers to incorporate the ridiculous in their writing as humor for the reader.

Euphemism is an effective literary device. Here are some examples of euphemism and how it adds to the significance of well-known literary works:. In this section of The Canterbury Tales , the Wife of Bath uses a euphemism to refer to her sexuality as a woman. This line underscores the seemingly useless purpose of euphemism in describing something natural. Holden essentially grew up with Jane, and he knows that Stradlater is something of a sexual predator when it comes to girls.

In addition, this euphemism is helpful as a literary device for the reader who wants to know the same information as Holden. By utilizing a euphemism rather than asking outright about the sexual encounter, both Holden and the reader can hope that Stradlater will provide an answer. In his poem , Hardy uses two euphemisms to reference death.

It is time now to create the ultimate dance party. To take things over the top, you will need to employ the greatest weapon in the dance party arsenal: you will need to start shaking your rear end. Or as some people call it…. Your hind-quarters. Your backside. Your bottom. All the right junk in all the right places. Understatements , like euphemisms, can be used to politely express impolite things.

Unlike euphemisms, though, understatements do not exist solely for that purpose. Understatements express something in a less extreme way, or make it sound less important than it is in reality.

Here is an example of understatement versus euphemism in describing someone who has the stomach flu:. Like euphemisms, innuendos are used to discuss something unpleasant or inappropriate without directly stating the unpleasant or inappropriate subject. Whereas euphemisms soften the harsh reality, innuendos hint at the reality. She has a womanly figure. Although understatements and innuendos work similar to euphemisms, they are different due to the intention: whereas understatements and innuendos can have a variety of intentions, euphemisms always aim for politeness and avoidance of dirty or inappropriate talk.

They soften difficult truths and allow for polite conversation. List of Terms Action. Ad Hominem. Alter Ego. This is an attempt to obscure and distort reality so people remain complacent. When the story was published in the s, it was a time during which abortion was either taboo or illegal.

Interactive English has a video on euphemisms featuring great examples from popular media. Holder provides an extensive list of euphemisms in the Dictionary of Euphemisms.

Definition, Usage, and Literary Examples. Euphemism Definition. Examples of Euphemisms. Types of Euphemis. Why Writers Use Euphemisms. Euphemisms vs. Other Figures of Speech. Euphemisms in Other Contexts. Examples of Euphemisms in Literature. Further Resources on Euphemism. Related Terms. Types of Euphemis There are several kinds of euphemisms that can be used in writing and spoken language.

Why Writers Use Euphemisms This device can serve several different purposes in writing.