Euphemism

A euphemism replaces harsh or direct words with more mild ones to soften the blow of something. For example, saying someone "passed away" instead of "died," or referring to a layoff as "downsizing."

Euphemisms serve a social function — they allow us to discuss uncomfortable topics without the full emotional weight of direct language. They appear constantly in everyday speech, politics, and literature.

In poetry, euphemisms can create layers of meaning. A poet might use them to explore how language itself can hide truth, or to write about difficult subjects in a way that draws the reader in rather than pushing them away.