私醫聯招 英文歷屆試題｜第 634 題

Euphemisms are frequently employed when speakers wish to avoid direct discussion of  (31)  topics or to soften their impact. These topics often include death, sex, bodily functions, and body parts. Examples of euphemisms for avoidance include phrases like “seeing a man about a horse” for using the restroom, “kicking the bucket” for  (32) , and “rolling in the hay” for sexual intercourse.

Euphemisms also serve to lessen the harshness or  (33)  of certain realities such as economic injustices, war crimes, and death. Examples of euphemisms for alleviation include “letting someone go” instead of  (34)  an employee, “collateral damage” for civilian casualties, and “in a better place” to refer to someone who has passed away.

In addition, personification is a common type of euphemisms. Personification allows uncomfortable topics to be discussed more easily by giving them a personal name  (35)  a technical name. For example, “a visit from Aunt Flo” refers to menstruation.