0.8例子委婉语.doc

在英语教学中应重视委婉语的学习与运用 The countries ’ names as euphemism In English, there is another special euphemistic expression. That is to use other countries ’ names instead of some harsher or more offensive words. The appearance of these euphemisms is mostly because of the historic and cultural reasons. For instance, because French had ruled Britain, British people like to make fun of the French. They called “ syphilis ”“ the French disease ”. “ French letter ” isa euphemism for “ condom ”;“ abortive pill ” is called “ French lunar pill ”; “ pornographic novels/prints ” is called “ French novels (prints) ”. It seems that the French does all the bad things. In 17th century, the war between Britain and Dutch also led toa lot of anti-Dutch words, including euphemisms. “ Prostitute ” is called “ Dutch widow ”;“ commit suicide ” is called “ Dutch act/cure ”;“ Dutch courage ” is an“ artificial courage ”;“ Dutch cheer ” isa euphemism for “ liquor ”. It was said that the Dutch often drank some liquor to build up their courage. Besides French and Dutch, Britain also makes fun of other countries. “ Condom ” has other euphemistic expressions in terms of country ’s name, such as Spanish letter, American letter, and Italian letter. “ Abortive pill ” is also called “ Portuguese female pill ”;“ Russian roulette ” isa euphemism for “ to intend mit suicide ”;“ Mexican raise. Irish promotion ” means “ to b