Euphemist

/ˈjuːfəmɪst/ noun

Definition

A person who uses euphemisms, which are mild or indirect words chosen to replace something harsh or unpleasant.

Etymology

From Greek 'eu' (good) + 'pheme' (speech) + '-ist' (one who practices). The suffix '-ist' was added to 'euphemism' in English around the 1800s to describe someone who habitually uses such softened language.

Kelly Says

Euphemists are everywhere in modern society—think how companies use 'downsizing' instead of 'firing' or hospitals say 'passed away' instead of 'died.' This word is actually a playful twist, since the person is doing the opposite of what the root suggests: they're choosing good-sounding words to hide unpleasant realities.

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