Literature

EUPHEMISMS – LITERATURE

Euphemisms are phrases or words that are used to cover up something bad or negative. It is a figure of speech. These phrases or words are created to show politeness over harshness. It is like a wound patched with a band-aid so that it will not be infected and bleed more. Yes, you’ve heard it right. If there are situations that will arise in your life, Euphemism is there to make it more delicate and soft.

Euphemisms can be categorized as sex, uncertain events like death, unemployment, physical attributes, aging, functions of the body, and more. These are a few of the examples based on category:

Euphemism about Death

Some people say that truth hurts that’s why they will cover it with “lies”. But, the situation is different here, Euphemism can somewhat bring comfort to your friend or someone you know.

  1. “Passed away” means died
  2. “Pregnancy termination” means abortion
  3. “Met her maker/creator” means death
  4. “Ethnic cleansing” means genocide
  5. “Whacked” means killed
  6. “Six feet under” means dead
  7. “Over the rainbow bridge” means dead for pets

Euphemism about Physical attributes

These are the phrases to “compliment” someone in a different way regarding their physical appearance. But, do not use Euphemisms as a way to bully someone.

  1. “Big boned” means fat
  2. “Horizontally challenged” means fat
  3. “Differently-abled” means handicapped or disabled

 Euphemism about Unemployment:

  1. “Between jobs” means unemployed
  2. “Early retirement” means being fired
  3. “Let you go’ means being fired

Other common examples:

  1. “Not the sharpest pencil in the box” means not smart
  2. “Negative cash flow” means broke
  3. “On the streets” means homeless
  4. “Relocation center” means prison camp
  5. “Making a deposit” means going to the bathroom

All of the phrases mentioned above are substitutes to lighten up a negative situation. Do not take it as literal.  Also, this is a way of not being rude or offensive to someone. Show kindness always.

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Gabrielle Love Acero

Gabrielle Love Acero loves to write in any form since she was still a little girl. Her writing skills were enhanced through reading books, articles, and informative materials such as Reader’s Digest. They are also her hobbies. She began her blog site at the age of 11. She wrote her experiences in life. With her experiences, she became a scriptwriter during her High School years. One of her movies that she directed and produced won 2nd place against 7 high school institutions (public and private) in the city where she is living. The interschool competition was hosted by Commission on Population (PopCom) – Region X. She puts effort into doing these things because it is her passion. She is one of the top of the class during her Elementary and High School years. She graduated as the Class Valedictorian in Junior High School. At the age of 9, Gabrielle Love Acero started participating and engaging in voluntary activities, especially at church. She entered the kids’ choir and joined “Sidewalk Saturday School (SSS)” as a volunteer. She taught indigenous children about God and His love for them in a certain area, including skit-playing and Bible-reading. With those experiences, she continued being a volunteer at heart until the present day. At the age of 13, she became a Worship leader in the church where she is currently attending since 2007. Her dedication, commitment, and love for God and His people made her become one of the assets of the church. She is one of the youth leaders. Gabrielle Love Acero is currently a junior student of Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Medical Biology at Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, where she continues to work towards her dream of becoming a doctor in the near future. She is also involved in extracurricular organizations. She is currently the President of Xavier University Red Cross Youth (XU – RCY), where she plans, organizes, and implements humanitarian activities for the community with her team. Also, she is a 1st class Cadet Officer at Xavier University Philippine Air Force - Reserve Officer Training Corps (XU PAF ROTC), where she teaches basic military trainings based on her military training experiences. Also, she implies military leadership to her lower classes. Not despising her Biology degree, she put her efforts into her studies and get involved in Biophilic (Biology) Society activities with her colleagues. Many people are awed by her experiences and involvements, especially her time management skills, but with humility, she believes that her life is not her own, but with a purpose. Gabrielle Love Acero hopes to learn more about life and the field she is currently in. She is goal-oriented and exemplifies excellence in everything she does, not because of herself, but because of the greater One living inside her.