EXPLORING THE ROLE OF FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE IN ENGLISH EUPHEMISMS

EXPLORING THE ROLE OF FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE IN ENGLISH EUPHEMISMS

Authors

  • Dushatova Shohsanam Baxtiyor qizi sh.dushatova@pf.fdu.uz FerSU EFL teacher, +998975978460

Keywords:

euphemism, figurative language, metaphor, metonymy, synecdoche, cognitive distance, taboo topics, politeness strategies, linguocultural norms, discourse analysis, semantic shift, cultural connotations.

Abstract

This article explores the use of figurative language in English euphemisms, focusing on how tropes such as metaphor, metonymy, and synecdoche contribute to the creation and function of euphemistic expressions. Euphemisms often serve to soften the impact of socially sensitive or taboo subjects. Through qualitative analysis of authentic English texts from media, literature, and political discourse, this study identifies common figurative patterns and examines their cultural and communicative roles. The findings suggest that figurative language not only disguises unpleasant realities but also reflects deep-seated cultural norms and values.

References

Allan K.; Burridge, K. Forbidden Words: Taboo and the Censoring of Language. – Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2006.

Allan K.; Burridge, K. Euphemism and Dysphemism: Language Used as a Shield and Weapon. – New York: Oxford University Press, 1991. – P. 67.

Brown P.; Levinson, S. C. Politeness: Some Universals in Language Usage. – Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1987.

Bultnick B. Metaphors We Die By: Concepts of Death in English. – Ghent: University of Ghent, 1998.

Burridge K. Euphemism and Language Change: The Sixth and Seventh Ages. – Newcastle: Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2010.

Chamizo-Domínguez, P. J. Semantics and Pragmatics of False Friends. – London: Routledge, 2005.

Goatly A. Washing the Brain: Metaphor and Hidden Ideology. – Amsterdam: John Benjamins, 2007.

Lakoff G.; Johnson, M. Metaphors We Live By. – Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1980.

Rawson H. A Dictionary of Euphemisms and Other Doubletalk. – New York: Crown Publishers, 1981.

Semino E.; Demjén, Z. The Routledge Handbook of Metaphor and Language. – London: Routledge, 2017.

Yule G. The Study of Language. – Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2016.

Downloads

Published

2025-06-01

How to Cite

Dushatova Shohsanam Baxtiyor qizi. (2025). EXPLORING THE ROLE OF FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE IN ENGLISH EUPHEMISMS. IMRAS, 8(5), 336–339. Retrieved from https://journal.imras.org/index.php/sps/article/view/2389

Issue

Section

Articles
Loading...