1. Euphemism Lee Sang Soon Jo Min Ki

2. Intro

3. Taboo and Euphemism Some words undergo pejoration because of a taboo against talking about the things they name. The replacement for a taboo term is a euphemism. Euphemism is from Greek word meaning ‘good sounding’.

4. Taboo and Euphemism Louise Pound, the first woman president of the Modern Language Association <American Euphemism for Dying, Death and Burial> “One of mankind’s gravest problems is to avoid a straight forward mention of dying for burial.” Euphemism is especially frequent when we must come face to face with the less happy facts of our existence.

5. Example - Death Alleviated for the survivor by calling it by some other name. e.g. Death– the final sleep Die– go to sleep go on a journey pass away The notion of death is made more tolerable to human consciousness

6. Example - Decency Idea of decency profoundly affect language. During the Victorian era, ladies and gentlemen were very sensitive about using the word ‘leg’ Captain Frederick Marryant’s diary in America – American taboo on this word. e.g. leg– limb Similar taboo was placed on ‘belly’ e.g. Belly– stomach, tummy, breadbasket They cause sexual humiliation

7. Example - Disease Euphemism is likewise resorted to in reference to certain disease. Words for diseases are doubtless rooted in anxiety and superstition. An ailment of almost any sort is often referred to as a condition. e.g. heart condition, kidney condition, etc Referring instead to those who born under ’Cancer’ as ‘Moon Children’. ‘Leprosy’ is replaced by the colorless ‘Hansen disease’.

8. Example – Sentimental Equalitarianism Attempt to dignify occupation by giving them high-sounding titles. e.g. Janitor– custodian garbage man – sanitary engineer rat catcher – extermination engineer One of the great concerns of the progressive age. Nobody’s feeling shall ever be hurt - at least not by words. (political correctness)

9. Is the Euphemism always desirable?

10. Problem - Glamorization “We are not at war with Cuba, We are in a state of armed conflict.” “It was after a New Year’s Eve party at which both had too much to drink, he testified, and he got physical trying to get her out of the room.” the War department -> the Department of Defense “Real GDP decreases.” -> negative growth

11. Problem - Inefficiency Shell shock/ Combat fatigue/ Post-traumatic stress disorder “You are fired.” -> “I’m afraid you should make a career realignment.”

12. Problem – Conflict Positive discrimination(Affirmative action) -> Another kind of “Discrimination”? (e.g. Reverse discrimination) Euthanasia vs. Mercy Killing -> Is there a “right to die”? Mercy killing is just “killing(=murder).”

13. Conclusion Euphemism is a double-edge sword. Replacement for a Taboo / Conflict maker Moderate use is necessary. However, it is hard to achieve.

14. End