In English, a “euphemism” is a nicer way to say something that could be offensive or unpleasant.[1]

We might use them to not be as direct in how we talk or not to offend someone.

 

Euphemisms Describing People

He is big boned. – He is fat.[2]

• She is vertically challenged. – She is short.

• Frank is between jobs. – Frank is unemployed.

• Susie is not the sharpest tool in the shed. – Susie is not the smartest.

• They are on the streets. – They are homeless.

 

Euphemisms about Getting Fired

• My boss let me go. – My boss fired me.

• You have been made redundant. – You are not needed anymore. (you have been replaced at your job)

 

Euphemisms about Death

• My mother passed away/passed on/met her maker last year. – My mother died last year.

• My father lost his battle with cancer. – My father died due to cancer.[3]

 

Euphemisms about Bad

• Your work just isn’t up to scratch. – Your work just isn’t good enough.

• The repairman’s work left a lot to be desired. – The repairman’s work was bad and unsatisfying.

 

Other Euphemisms

• My wife is expecting. – My wife is pregnant.

• They come from an underprivileged family. – They come from a poor family.[4]

• I need a bit of peace and quiet. – Go away![5]

• My parents gave me the birds and the bees talk when I was young. – My parents told me about sex when I was young.[6]

• They are chronologically challenged. – They are late.

• It has been a long week, I really need some adult beverages. – It has been a long week, I really need some alcohol.[7]

• I need to go to the little boy’s room/little girl’s room. – I need to go to the restroom.

• My cousin had to stay in a correctional facility for a few months. – My cousin had to stay in jail for a few months. 

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External Link: https://englishacademy101.com/common-english-euphemism-examples/