CHAPTER II THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
A. Euphemism
1. Definition of Euphemism
The word euphemism comes from the Greek word euphemos, meaning auspiciousgoodfortunate speechkind which in turn is derived from the Greek root-
words eu goodwell + pheme speechspeaking. The eupheme was originally a word or phrase used in place of a religious word or phrase that should not be spoken aloud;
etymologically, the eupheme is the opposite of the blaspheme evil-speaking. From the word’s root of euphemism we can conclude that euphemism is speak in good way.
Concise Oxford Dictionary as quoted by Enright explain that euphemism is a substitution of mild, vague or indirect expression for rude or direct one
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, Keith Allan Kate Burridge mention that:
A euphemism is used as an alternative to dispreferred expression, in order to avoid possible los face: either one’s face or trough giving offense, that of the
audience or of some third party.
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The statement above give a comprehension to us that people use the euphemism term is as an alternative expression to avoid mention the taboo word that will make the
listener loss his face. It is done absolutely to keep the relationship between speaker and listener.
8
D.J Enright, Fair of Speech: The use of Euphemism. New York: oxford University Press, 1985. p.13.
9
Keith Allan Kate Burridge, Euphemism and Dysphemism language Used as Sheild and Weapon. New York: Oxford University Press, 1991. p.11
Whereas, Matthews stated that euphemism is word, etc used in place of one avoided as e.g. offensive, indecent, or alarming.
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We can conclude that euphemism is a substitution of an agreeable or less offensive expression in place of one that may
offend or suggest something unpleasant to the receiver or listener, or to make it less troublesome for the speaker.
If the “pleasantpolite word” is well known as euphemism, so the contrast words or the bad one is called dysphemism. People used it to downgrade and show
disapproval of things, as Allan 1991 stated “dysphemism” is an expression with connotation that are offensive either about the denotatum or to audience, or both.
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. It is clear that taboo word absolutely can hurt the listener or make loss his face, because
of that people try to reduce of the using of dysphemism and change to apply euphemism.
The purposes of euphemism are to present words of good omen, to avoid unlucky words with metaphysical harm may befall either speaker or hearer, and to
prevent hearer from losing face by offending his sensibilities. Besides that it may also substitute a description of something or someone to avoid revealing secret, holy, or
sacred names to the uninitiated, or to obscure the identity of the subject of a conversation from potential eavesdroppers. Some euphemisms are intended to amuse.
For examples, euphemism words to cited freedom fighter for “terrorist”, firm for “pig-headed”, life insurance replacing “insurance when you are dead”,
toddler for “idiot”. In short, euphemism is an alternative to unpleasant expression, and is used in
order to avoid possible loss of face.
10
Petter Matthews, The consise Oxford Dictionary of Linguistics. New York: oxford University Press, 1997. p.119.
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Keith Allan kate Burriage .1991. opp. cit 13
2. Types of Euphemism
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