Everyday Euphemisms

1. Which is a euphemism for “bald”?

Hairless hero

Follicly challenged

Hair-gone-wrong

Comb master

“Follicly challenged” is a humorous, polite way to describe someone who is bald.

Explanation

“Follicly challenged” is a humorous, polite way to describe someone who is bald.

2. Euphemisms can make difficult topics sound less harsh.

True

False

Euphemisms soften language so difficult topics sound kinder or less uncomfortable.

Explanation

Euphemisms soften language so difficult topics sound kinder or less uncomfortable.

3. “Senior citizen” is a euphemism for:

Child

Elderly person

Teenager

Parent

“Senior citizen” is a polite term used for an older adult.

Explanation

“Senior citizen” is a polite term used for an older adult.

4. Which phrase softens the idea of “unemployed”?

On a break from work

Between jobs

Changing clothes

Sleeping in

“Between jobs” is a polite way to say someone is unemployed.

Explanation

“Between jobs” is a polite way to say someone is unemployed.

5. “He was let go from the company.” means:

He was promoted.

He was fired.

He retired.

He was rewarded.

“Let go” is a softer way to say someone was fired.

Explanation

“Let go” is a softer way to say someone was fired.

6. Euphemisms can make language sound more formal or respectful.

True

False

They are often used to sound polite, respectful, or professional.

Explanation

They are often used to sound polite, respectful, or professional.

7. “She’s expecting” means:

She’s pregnant

She’s hoping for a gift

She’s waiting outside

She’s surprised

This is a gentle way to say that someone is pregnant.

Explanation

This is a gentle way to say that someone is pregnant.

8. “Correctional officer” is a euphemism for:

Judge

Prison guard

Teacher

Police chief

It is a more formal and respectful term for a prison guard.

Explanation

It is a more formal and respectful term for a prison guard.

9. Which is NOT a euphemism?

He’s temporarily out of work.

He’s jobless.

He’s between jobs.

He’s seeking new opportunities.

“Jobless” is direct and not softened, so it is not a euphemism.

Explanation

“Jobless” is direct and not softened, so it is not a euphemism.

10. “Ethically challenged” might mean:

Dishonest

Smart

Patient

Curious

This phrase politely suggests someone may act dishonestly.

Explanation

This phrase politely suggests someone may act dishonestly.

11. Writers use euphemisms to:

Sound more polite and professional

Make language silly

Hide grammar errors

Avoid adjectives

Euphemisms help writers avoid sounding rude or offensive.

Explanation

Euphemisms help writers avoid sounding rude or offensive.

12. Match each euphemism with its real meaning:

Restroom

Passed on

Laid off

Submit

13. “He was sleeping rough” is a euphemism for:

Camping

Homelessness

Snoring

Traveling

This phrase is often used to gently describe someone who is homeless.

Explanation

This phrase is often used to gently describe someone who is homeless.

14. “Vertically challenged” is a euphemism for:

Tall

Short

Strong

Slow

This phrase politely refers to someone who is short.

Explanation

This phrase politely refers to someone who is short.

Submit

Everyday Euphemisms

1. Which is a euphemism for “bald”?

2. Euphemisms can make difficult topics sound less harsh.

3. “Senior citizen” is a euphemism for:

4. Which phrase softens the idea of “unemployed”?

5. “He was let go from the company.” means:

6. Euphemisms can make language sound more formal or respectful.

7. “She’s expecting” means:

8. “Correctional officer” is a euphemism for:

9. Which is NOT a euphemism?

10. “Ethically challenged” might mean:

11. Writers use euphemisms to:

12. Match each euphemism with its real meaning:

13. “He was sleeping rough” is a euphemism for:

14. “Vertically challenged” is a euphemism for:

15. Instead of saying "fat," people might say "_____"