euphemism

Meanings

1. The use of a word or phrase to replace another one that is more offensive, blunt or vulgar.
2. A word or phrase that replaces another in this way.

Etymology

Recorded since 1656; from Ancient Greek εὐφημισμός (euphēmismós), from εὐφημίζω (euphēmízō), from εὔφημος (eúphēmos, “uttering sound of good omen, abstaining from inauspicious words”), from εὖ (eû, “well”) + φήμη (phḗmē, “a voice, a prophetic voice, rumor, talk”), from φημί (phēmí, “to speak, say”).