euphemism
/ˈjuːfəˌmɪzəm/
noun
- A mild or indirect word or phrase used to refer to something unpleasant, embarrassing, or harsh, in order to make it sound more acceptable or less offensive.
- Saying 'passed away' instead of 'died' is a common euphemism.
- The company used the euphemism 'downsizing' to describe firing hundreds of workers.
- In many cultures, 'restroom' is a euphemism for a toilet.
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