euphemism

Meaning

Noun

• The use of a word or phrase to replace another with one that is considered less offensive, blunt or vulgar than the word or phrase which it replaces.
• A word or phrase that is used to replace another in this way.

Related

Opposite words

• dysphemism
• expletive

Origin

• Recorded since 1656; from Ancient Greek εὐφημισμός, from εὐφημίζω, from εὔφημος, from εὖ + φήμη, from φάναι.