A euphemism is a milder or more polite word you choose instead of a blunter one, so that you do not shock or upset someone.

A euphemism isEuphemism 是 a milder or more polite word you choose instead of a blunter one,用比較委婉、有禮貌的字取代直白說法的一種選擇 so that you do not shock or upset someone為了不讓人嚇到或不舒服。

We say “passed away” instead of “died”, “let go” instead of “fired”, “restroom” instead of naming the toilet straight.

We say我們會說 “passed away” instead of “died”,「passed away」而不是「died」 “let go” instead of “fired”,「let go」而不是「fired」 “restroom” instead of naming the toilet straight用「restroom」而不是直接講廁所。

Some euphemisms are kind; some are slippery, because they hide what is really happening — “collateral damage” for people killed in war is the kind teachers warn you about. The word itself is fairly formal, but the habit is everywhere: in homes, offices, and the news.

Some euphemisms are有些委婉語是 kind;善意的 some are slippery,有些則很狡猾 because they hide what is really happening因為它們把真正發生的事情藏起來 — “collateral damage” for people killed in war is the kind teachers warn you about像是用「collateral damage」來講戰爭裡被殺的人，這就是老師會提醒你小心的那種。The word itself is這個字本身 fairly formal,相當正式 but the habit is everywhere:但這種說話習慣到處都是 in homes, offices, and the news在家裡、辦公室，還有新聞裡。

Though actually, a euphemism only works if both sides still know what you mean; if the soft word becomes the only word, it stops feeling soft.

Though actually,不過其實 a euphemism only works if both sides still know what you mean;委婉語要有效，前提是雙方都還知道你在講什麼 if the soft word becomes the only word, it stops feeling soft如果那個委婉的字變成唯一的說法，它就不再讓人覺得委婉了。