- A euphemism softens a harsh or blunt expression.
- Examples: "passed away," "let go," "between jobs".
- It can soften, evade, or reveal character.
- In dialogue, euphemism reveals how characters think.
- Overuse or evasive euphemism can obscure meaning.
A euphemism is a mild, indirect, or vague expression substituted for one considered harsh, blunt, or unpleasant — "passed away" for "died," "let go" for "fired," "between jobs" for "unemployed." Euphemisms soften difficult subjects, allow evasion, or signal politeness. In fiction, how a character uses (or refuses) euphemism reveals their personality, relationship to a subject, or self-deception. Euphemism is also a tool of characterization and theme, though evasive euphemism can obscure meaning.
Chapter i·Why it matters
Euphemism is both a feature of real speech and a characterization tool — the way a character softens, evades, or bluntly names hard things reveals who they are and how they relate to difficult subjects. Understanding euphemism helps writers use it for authentic dialogue and subtext (a character's euphemisms exposing avoidance or denial). It is also relevant thematically, as euphemism can mask uncomfortable truths, making it a meaningful device beyond mere politeness.
Chapter ii·What to include
- A mild substitute for a harsh expression.
- Examples: "passed away," "let go".
- Functions: soften, evade, signal politeness.
- Euphemism revealing character.
- Subtext and self-deception exposed.
- The risk of obscuring meaning.
Chapter iii·Example
A writer characterizes a grieving man by his euphemisms — he says his wife "is no longer with us" and "we lost her," never "died." His avoidance of the blunt word reveals, through subtext, how unable he is to face the loss. The euphemism does characterization work, exposing his denial without stating it.
Chapter iv·Related questions
WriteLoom's Plan studio keeps your characters' voices in view, so devices like euphemism reveal who they are.
See the Plan studio