A euphemism is a substitution for an expression that may offend or suggest something unpleasant to the receiver, using instead an agreeable or less offensive expression,[1] or to make it less troublesome for the speaker, as in the case of doublespeak.
We all do it. Bit the Big One. Bun in the Oven. House of Ill Repute. how about Knocked Up? I always hated that expression. Kicked the bucket – really? But we get it from our grandparents, our parents and etc. Back in the day it was scandalous to talk about certain things, so they made up expressions and pretty soon you knew what they were talking about.
Ralph Keyes takes us on a journey of how some euphemisms came to be. It is quite enlightening, entertaining, and educating. He talks of Making Whoopee (haven’t heard that one in awhile!), How about the dreaded visit from Aunt Flo ? Mr. Keyes explains how back in the daay the women called it, “I’ve got my flowers.” REALLY?! ha ha!
Euphemisms change over the years but the meaning relatively stays the same. I found this book to be a unique look at something we all do and just don’t think about. A great coffee table book!