Euphemisms (Figures of Speech)

EUPHEMISMS (Figures of Speech)

Americans are known for speaking very directly, but sometimes we must be careful. We shouldn't comment on a person's appearance, for example, or the way they smell, talk, walk, etc. We also avoid certain unpleasant subjects, like death or illness.

Here are some offensive phrases, and nicer ways to say them:

• You are fat. = You're a little heavy.
• She's old. = She's getting on in years.
• He's stupid. = He's a little slow.
• You are clumsy. = Oh! Be careful!
• You're fired! = We're letting you go.
• She is ugly. = She has a nice personality.
• This tastes terrible. = Sorry, I'm not very hungry.
• You smell bad. = You might want to take a shower.
• This is badly-written. = This isn't your best work.
• He's really sick. = He's not doing very well.
• She's probably going to die. = She isn't going to make it.
• We killed our dog. = We put our dog to sleep.
• She's dead. = She passed away.

---

Navigation:

• View this post on Facebook or Instagram
• Go to the Mini-Lessons Index

(Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons; CTTO)