Susie Dent

Slang has different functions: many of the words we use are playful and a lot are tribal - we speak the same way as the groups we are part of. A great deal are also euphemistic, so it's no surprise that a third of us are perplexed by their meanings and origins.

English Scientist

Joseph Wood Krutch

Any euphemism ceases to be euphemistic after a time and the true meaning begins to show through. It's a losing game, but we keep on trying.

American Environmentalist

Euphemistic language tactfully replaces words that might upset or offend someone with milder alternatives.

Offense Avoidance

The use of euphemistic terms can subtly change the emotional impact of a conversation or statement.

Subtle Softening

Certain euphemisms vary by culture; understanding local euphemistic language helps in effective communication.

Cultural Sensitivity

 They're children from poor families. So if the vast majority of children living in orphanages are not orphans, then the term "orphanage" is really just a euphemistic name for a residential care institution.

Why we need to end the...

 mountaineering people of african descent are are underrepresented you know and and underrepresented is a euphemistic word to describe how scarce black people really are in the sport