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From all the explanation above, the writer can describe types of euphemism as follows:
Metaphor Rhyming slang
Remodeling Abbreviation
Acronyms Omission
quasi - omission Types of euphemism
Full omission Substitution
metonymy Synecdoche
Hyperbole Understatement
Borrowing Abstraction
Indirectness Mispronunciation
Plays on abbreviation Phonetic alphabet
3. Taboo Words
Words that are offensive, obscee, or somehow disturbing is called taboo. The word taboo derives from the Tongan language. It refers to
prohibition on the use of, mention of, or association with particular objects, actions, or persons
16
. Meanwhile, Akmajian in Linguistics: An Introduction to Language and Communication proposed that taboo words are those that are
16
Peter Matthews, The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Linguistics New York: Oxford University Press P.371.
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to be avoided entirely, or at least avoided in mixed company or polite company
17
Common swear words such as Damn Or shit include taboo words. Hence to avoid words seen as offensive, obscene, or somehow
disturbing to listeners or readers, the taboo words will be euphemized. It is like what Allan stated in Natural Semantic Language as follows:
A taboo term, a strong dysphemism, is often replaced by more positively viewed euphemistic word or phrase whose original meaning
has been semantically extended to create a new sense for it. For instance, instead of saying my father died someone may say my
father passed away.
18
Thus taboo words including swear words such as Damn and hell have euphemistic terms: Darn and heck
Taboo words comprise three kinds, they are:
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1. taboo of fear a. Personal name is tabooed on any island. The inhabitants supposed
uttering a taboo name in to assault the owner of the name, b. Names of the dead are tabooed in some societies. If they uttered the
name, they would call the deads from their resting place. Violation of such taboo is thus believed to cause misfortune, sickness, death and
even offense to living descendants, c. Taboos on the name of Gods are to avoid metaphysical malevolence
and blasphemy.
17
Akmajian, et al., Linguistics: An Introduction to Language and Communication London: The MIT Press,1988 P.112.
18
Keith Alan, Natural Semantics Inew York:Blackwell Publishers, 2001 p.134.
19
Ibid. P.140.
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d. Names of dangerous animals are regarded taboo because there is a fear that animals may know where the speaker is and respond to the call.
Based on the research, there are 24 animals tabooed throughout the world.
2. taboo of delicacy In general, people tend to prevent uttering critical and unpleasant
preference or events. Typical examples are physical and mental disorders - Cancer, Aids- crime and law -barristers instead of counsel- military -
pacify means be killing, neutralize means kill selected targets or conquer.
3. taboo of propriety This typical taboo goes to sexual acts, bodily effluvia, body -parts function
and curse. For instance: shit, sperm, urine, belched breath, nail parings, snot, fart even menstruation are regarded as synonymous for the curse. It is
because men viewed menstrual blood as far more horror than women did.
B. Semantics 1. Definitions of Semantics
