委婉语社会语言学.pptVIP

浅谈英语委婉语及其社会影响 Contents 1. Definition of Euphemism Euphemism is originally from Greek, meaning “speak with gook words”. “eu” means “well or sounding well”; “pheme” means “speech”. Its definition in Longman Dictionary of English Language and Culture is “(an example of )the use of a pleasanter, less direct name for something thought to be unpleasant.” 2. Ways to Express Euphemism 2.1 Figure of speech Metonymy 1) “to be fond of the bottle” is a euphemism for “liking to drink” (to use the container to take the place of the things in the container) 2) “limb” for “leg” (to use the entirety instead of the part) In Australian English “an old hand” is a euphemism for “an old prisoner” (the part can be used instead of the entirety) 3) “pick” is a tool of prying the lock. It can refer to “thief” (to use the tools to take the place of the objects) 4) “poppy” is a kind of flower, but it also refers to “opium” (to use raw materials to take the place of finished products) 5) “blood and iron” is a euphemism for “violence” (to use characteristics to take the place of objects) Metaphor To use metaphor can easily avoid the offensive things. Periphrasis It is an expression of beating around the bush. Teachers often use this expression to avoid the students’ and their parents’ awkwardness. Semantic method Synonym: such euphemism aims to use the appreciative term to take the place of the derogatory term. tight→ stingy; crazy, insane → mad Negation: such euphemism uses the contrary term to express the same meaning, and it could be more useful than synonym in replacing the taboo and make people more understandable and comfortable. A fat chance → a slim chance ; Vague expressions: it is to make the harsher or offensive words more general. trouble, problem →disease ; a man of doubtful taste →a man of bad taste ; the underprivileged, the disadvantaged →the poor 3.The Social Functions of Euphemism 4. Conclusion * * LOGO A Brief Introduction of English Euphemism and its Soc