ENG_C1.0205S
Euphemisms
Learning Unit: Complex Conversations
Speaking & Discussion
Level C1
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ENG_C1.0205S
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ENG_C1.0205S
Euphemisms Outline
Content
In this lesson you will learn about euphemisms and how to use them.
Learning Outcomes
• Learn how to use euphemisms to talk about taboo topics
• Identify euphemisms in everyday life
• Be able to talk about taboo topics without making people uncomfortable
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ENG_C1.0205S
Statement
A euphemism is a generally innocuous
word or expression used in place of one
that may be found offensive or suggest
something unpleasant.
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Statement
Euphemisms may be used to amuse. They
also use bland terms in order to downplay
a topic.
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ENG_C1.0205S
Statement
Euphemisms are helpful when wanting to
discuss taboo topics in a polite way.
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ENG_C1.0205S
Statement
Euphemisms help to be polite, especially
when talking about topics that may
typically be considered rude.
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ENG_C1.0205S
Exercises
Speaking
Can you think of any euphemisms you
have said or heard recently?
Here are a couple of examples to inspire you:
• The patient passed away.
• The student is physically challenged.
What do the examples mean?
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ENG_C1.0205S
Grammar
Please note
There are many ways of forming
euphemisms
Phonetic modification
Jesus
What the hell!


Jeez!
What theee ---!
Figures of speech
Dying
Being pregnant
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

Going to the other side
Bun in the oven
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ENG_C1.0205S
Grammar
Please note
There are many ways of forming euphemisms
Rhetoric
Very small house
Right next to a freeway


A cozy house
Easy access to everywhere
Slang
Sexual intercourse
To make a mistake
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

Hook up
I screwed up
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ENG_C1.0205S
Discuss
Speaking
Why are euphemisms used? Why are they
important?
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ENG_C1.0205S
Vocabulary
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Innocuous
Misleading
Bland
Profanity
Dissimulation
6) Gentler
7) Placeholder
8) Off the top of
one‘s head
9) Stork
10) Charm
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ENG_C1.0205S
Vocabulary
To downplay
To
dissimulate
To amuse
To convey
To mask
To spare
To hide
To reveal
To conceal
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ENG_C1.0205S
Vocabulary
Here are some euphemisms and their meanings
Old person
Poor kids
Addict/ addiction
Unemployed
Victim
Sick
Secretary
Problem
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Senior citizen
At risk kids
Substance abuse(r)
To be in between jobs
Casualty
To be under the weather
Administrative assistant
Issue or challenge
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ENG_C1.0205S
Exercises
Speaking
What are five taboo topics in your culture
that you would use euphemisms for?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
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ENG_C1.0205S
Questions
1) What does „a visit from the
stork“ mean?
2) What does „passed on“
mean?
3) What does „laid off“ mean?
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ENG_C1.0205S
Review
1. Fat
He is an overweight man.
2. Poor
They are unable to make ends meet .
3. Remedial
Sophia is a special needs student.
4. Homeless
There are many people without a roof over their heads
Euphemisms can make your language more
„politically correct“ as well as spare
uncomfortable moments.
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ENG_C1.0205S
Exercises
Speaking
What is it like in your country?
1) Are euphemisms common in your language?
2) What is the topic with the most euphemisms you can
think of?
3) Do you think the taboo topics in English are the same
as the ones in your language? Which ones are
different?
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ENG_C1.0205S
Exercises
Speaking
What do these euphemisms mean?
1) Waste
management
2) A bun in the
oven
3) Eternal rest
4) To be
hammered
5) Powder your
nose
6) The little boy‘s
room
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ENG_C1.0205S
Exercises
Speaking
How would you…?
Situation 1
Situation 2
Tell your students the
class pet has died?
Fire your employee?
Situation 3
Situation 4
End a relationship?
Tell someone you or your
wife/girlfriend is
pregnant?
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ENG_C1.0205S
Exercises
Speaking
How many euphemisms can you think of
for the following topics?
Death
Ex. Pass away
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People
Ex. Couch potato
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Exercises
Speaking
Identify the euphemism and select the best
meaning
One second, I just need to powder my nose and we can go.
a) To put make up on
b) To go to the bathroom
c) To change clothes
Sheila is a full figured woman.
a) Old
b) Fat
c) Tall
Did you hear she has a bun in the oven again!?
a) To be baking again
b) To be pregnant
c) To have a new boyfriend
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ENG_C1.0205S
Exercises
Reading
Real estate is known for using euphemisms to
mask the reality behind the properties. Read
the following ad and identify all the possible
euphemisms.
Cozy apartment with lots of charm for rent for a competitive
price. The quiet studio is perfect for working couple and is
located in an up-and-coming neighborhood, on top floor of
historic building, close to transportation. It has easy access to
all major highways. It is a diamond in the rough, and its retro
decor has lots of potential. You don’t want to miss this
opportunity! Call 413-678-0929
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ENG_C1.0205S
Exercises
Speaking
Rephrase the ad on the previous slide to reveal
the meaning the euphemisms are concealing
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ENG_C1.0205S
Thank you
We would like to thank
the following sources for their content
Text
Euphemism, Wikipedia Contributors
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title
=Euphemism&oldid=642365117 ,
Retrieved at 21.01.2015, Creative
Commons license
Images
Shutterstock – ID 73640242
Shutterstock – ID 42745531
Shutterstock – ID 177376910
Shutterstock – ID 528488899
Shutterstock – ID 59893672
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ENG_C1.0205S
Thank you
for choosing to learn
with
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