委婉语和典故引用.doc

委婉语和典故引用
Euphemism (委婉语)
1. Definition
Euphemism = “eu”(meaning “good”) + “pheme”(meaning “speech”). It literally means “to speak with good words”. Euphemism is a figure of speech which consists in the substitution of a word or expression paratively favorable implication or less unpleasant associations, instead of the harsher or more offensive one that would more precisely designate what is intended.
2. The origin of English Euphemisms
Taboo: Euphemisms originated from primitive society. People believed that language was not merely a symbol but also with magic power. It could bring them misfortunes as well as fortunes, mentioning certain names running the risk of being punished, so they usually avoided these taboos. . “death”―sleep.
Elegance: To seek beauty is one of humans natures, so whenever they deal with some inelegant physiological phenomena munication, they tend to avoid vulgarism so as to achieve elegance. . “pregnancy”―in the family way.
Politeness: According to Leechs Principle of Politeness, munication, people usually followed such rules as appropriateness, generosity, praise, modesty, similarity and sympathy, so people often use indirect expressions to achieve politeness. .
“ugly”―plainlooking.
Disguise: While people use euphemisms to avoid something unhappy, vulgar or show politeness in their daily life, they often use euphemisms t