Euphemistic Language

What is Euphemistic language?

 

Euphemistic language can be defined as a milder or more positive expression used to replace a negative or unpleasant one. This definition I got from Critical literacy Reading Books.

 But from my understanding... euphemistic language is we speak use pleasing words or a word that we used in order not to offend any people.

For example: Lady of the evening:

 [ the real mean is : whore, prostitute, hooker]

African-American people: [ the real mean is: black people or a nigger]

From definition of euphemistic language, we can conclude that by using the appropriate words to describe some one or to critic , we can hide our true meaning of the word with replace it with appropriate words so that people will not feel offend.

During Critical Literacy's class last week, we have been told by Sir Mark about 2 researchers which related to euphemistic language. There are: Noam Chomsky and Michel Foucault.

 Noam Chomsky said : there have some words are formal context and for informal context. He also believe in existence of euphemistic language. Chomsky also said that the words change but the meaning may stay same. However, Michel Foucault said that the words maybe the same but not the meaning. He also said we should use honest and direct language which it is better for the society. Michel Foucault included that there are no such things as positive and negative words.

In my opinion, sometimes using euphemistic language can be accepted but for some people they may not like it! For the Malay races that have been known as soft hear-ted and sensitive especially female in all ages. These females or maybe including me easy to get touched when other people used direct language when giving comment on our physical look. For example: "You looks so different today, why your face looks so black?" I'll bet that she will not going out from home for two weeks just to white back her face.

Other example:

Senior citizen = old person

Law- enforcement officer = Policeman

Adult movie= pornography movie

Tired and emotional= drunk

Where can I wash my hands?= where s toilet?

I have some issues now = I have problem now