Euphemism

What is Euphemism?

         A Euphemism is a polite inoffensive expression words or phrases replaced for one considered offensive or hurtful that contrarily might be considered bitter, blunt or unpleasant to hear. In short, the term euphemism refers to courteous, unintended expressions which is the substitution of an agreeable or inoffensive expression that replace words and phrases considered harsh and disrespectful or which suggest something unpleasant. When the aim is not to offend or hurt someone with honest intentions.
        Euphemism is the substitution of an inoffensive expression (such as "passed away") for one considered offensively explicit ("died"). Contrast with dysphemism. Adjective: euphemistic.
         In his Oxford Dictionary of Euphemisms (2007), R.W. Holder notes that in speech or writing "we use euphemism for dealing with taboo or sensitive subjects. It is therefore the language of evasion, hypocrisy, prudery, and deceit."
        According to Ruth Wajnryb, "Euphemisms have a short shelf life--once the stigma of the original catches up to them, the battery that runs the euphemistic device goes flat. The only way forward is to invent a new euphemism"(Expletive Deleted: A Good Look at Bad Language, 2005)
         Possibly there is no other word in English for which there are more euphemisms than for the verb “to die.” When someone dies, we say he passed away, passed on or simply passed. Or he is in a better place now, gone on to his heavenly reward or as the doctor may have said just as the patient breathed his last breath. “She expired.”

Lets consider a few more, Examples:
*Collateral damage instead of accidental deaths
*Use the rest room instead of go to the bathroom
*Between jobs instead of unemployed
*Domestic engineer instead of maid

Types of Euphemisms

       To Soften an Expression - Some euphemisms are used to make a blunt or obnoxious truth seem less hard.
Examples:
*Passed away instead of died
*Differently-abled instead of handicapped or disabled
*Relocation center instead of prison camp
*Letting someone go instead of firing someone
*On the streets instead of homeless

      Euphemisms to be Polite - Some euphemisms are used to take the place of words or phrases one might not want to say in polite circle.
Examples:
*Adult beverages instead of beer or liquor
*Big-boned instead of heavy or overweight
*Vertically-challenged instead of short
*Economical with the truth instead of liar
*Between jobs instead of unemployed

Euphemisms to be Impolite - euphemisms are intentionally a callous or insensitive way of saying something.        These euphemisms are usually used when being sarcastic or trying to make light of a serious subject or make it seem less serious.
Example:
*Bit the dust instead of died
*Blow chunks instead of vomited
*Bit the farm instead of died

Examples of Euphemisms

Euphemism is frequently used in everyday life.
Let us look at some common euphemism, examples:

*Retarded - mentally challenged
*Blind - Visually challenged
*Crippled - Differently abled
*Bald - follicularly challenged

Euphemism in sentences:
*He is always tired and emotional (drunk). He is a special child (disabled or retarded).
*You are becoming a little thin on top (bald).
*Our teacher is in the family way (pregnant).
*We do not hire mentally challenged (stupid) people.

Reference

http://english.tutorvista.com/literary-response/euphemism.html
http://grammar.about.com/od/e/g/euphemismterm.html