Euphemism: GCSE English Definition

What is a euphemism?

In GCSE English Literature and GCSE English Language, a euphemism is a polite or indirect way of saying something unpleasant, harsh or embarrassing. It is often used to soften difficult topics such as death, war or illness, for example saying that someone has "passed away", rather than that they died.

Why do writers use euphemisms?

Writers use euphemisms for several reasons. Euphemisms can make difficult or sensitive topics sound less brutal, or they can be used to avoid direct or offensive language. Euphemisms can also be used in an ironic or satirical way to expose hypocrisy, such as calling civilian deaths in war "collateral damage".

Example of euphemism

Here is an example of euphemism from the poem 'War Photographer' by Carol Ann Duffy:

"A hundred agonies in black-and-white

From which his editor will pick out five or six

For Sunday's supplement."

Here, "a hundred agonies" is a euphemism for photographs of war victims, from which an editor will "pick out five or six", making it sound like the editor is choosing something ordinary. This disguises the fact that these are images of pain and tragedy, highlighting society's detachment from war. The poet's use of euphemism reflects the idea that the media sanitises war, making it easier for people to read about it without fully understanding its horrors.

Revision resources to ace your exams

Learn how to explore a writer’s use of euphemism, and how to use it in your own creative writing, by using our detailed GCSE revision notes.

GCSE English Literature Revision Notes

GCSE English Language Revision Notes

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