Euphemistic
/ˌjuː.fəˈmɪs.tɪk/noun
Using mild or indirect language to avoid saying something unpleasant or offensive.
Did you know?The root behind euphemistic is Greek *euphemia*, originally tied to ritually speaking words of good omen, so “careful wording” once had a sacred, almost magical force.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
euphēmia
“speaking with good omen; auspicious speech”
Late Greek
Greek
euphēmismos
“the use of an auspicious or favorable expression”
16th Century
English
euphemisme
“the substitution of a mild or pleasant expression for one thought unpleasant”
17th Century
English
euphemistic
“using or characterized by euphemism”
Modern English
English
euphemistic
“using mild or indirect language to avoid harshness or offense”
Explore more surprising origins