Euphemism I. Overall Introduction of EuphemismA. The word of euphemism(from Greek) —Prefix "eu-" : good, well —Root "-phem" :【T1】
1【T1】
2 —Suffix "-ism" : noun —【T2】
3to speak with good words or in a pleasant manner【T2】
4 —Earliest time of use in record: the 11th century BCB. The origin of euphemism:【T3】
5【T3】
6 —The function of euphemism: mild,roundabout words instead of coarse, offensive or painful onesC. The【T4】
7of euphemism(two most commonly used):【T4】
8 —Mild or vague or roundabout expression for harsh or blunt or direct one —Polite,tactful or less【T5】
9term to avoid the direct naming of an【T5】
10 unpleasant painful or frightening realityD. Classification of euphemism1)Type one(by Hugh Rawson from the angle of【T6】
11):【T6】
12 i. the positive:【T7】
13ones【T7】
14 —inflating and magnifying the word meaning, making the euphemized seem grander and more important than they really are ii. the negative:【T8】
15ones【T8】
16 —deflating and diminishing the word meaning, being defensive in nature offsetting the power of tabooed terms and eradicating everything that people prefer not to deal with directly 2)Type two: unconscious ones & conscious onesi. Angle of classification:—whether people remember their original【T9】
17or not【T9】
18ii. Example: indisposition—the original meaning: incapacity to deal with something—its euphemistic meaning: slight illness or ill healthII. Different uses of euphemism in【T10】
19【T10】
20A. Definition of "culture": the entire way of society(customs, traditions, social habits,values,beliefs and language)B. Uses of euphemism related to different aspects of culture1)Euphemisms related to namesi. Chinese culture: emphasis on names—example:【T11】
21's name is forbidden to be called【T11】
22ii. British and American culture: few emphasis on names —example:—parents' name being called directly—children having the same name with their parents2)Euphemisms related to excretionsi. English culture: having variety of euphemisms —example:—original words: go to the toilet, go to stool—euphemistic words: to【T12】
23,to freshen up,to pick a daisy,【T12】
24to relieve or to relieve nature,get some fresh air etc.3)Euphemisms related to death—Function: to respect the dead, to memorize them, to praise them, to avoid using the dreadful word4)Euphemisms related to old age—Chinese: being【T13】
25of being old, few euphemisms【T13】
26—American: being afraid of being old, a lot of euphemisms5)Euphemisms related to fatness —English: derogatory—euphemistic phrases:weight-watcher, heavyset, and on【T14】
27【T14】
28—Chinese: commendatoryIII. Conclusion—the grease of language, and the【T15】
29of social culture【T15】
30