Euphemisms

Euphemisms

 

1.      ‘To powder one’s nose’

-          Going to the toilet – mostly used by women

-          Sometimes means ‘to do drugs’

 

Using the first example, it’s quite an old-fashioned term however it is seen as a polite/humorous way of letting people know you’re going to the toilet. The women’s toilets often used to be called ‘the powder room’. Seen as ladylike

 

2.      ‘Vertically challenged’

-          Not tall in height

-          Short

 

This is a more polite way of saying someone is small in height – the intention is to not offend. If you heard someone say ‘oh they’re vertically challenged’ it is slightly less offensive than saying ‘oh they’re short.’

 

3.      ‘To let someone go’

-          They have been sacked/fired

 

Most people word ‘you are fired’ in a more polite and less harsh way such as ‘we have to let you go’. It sounds a lot nicer, despite the fact that the meaning is still the same.