Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная
лингвистика
и
лингводидактика
–
Foreign
Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Journal home page:
https://inscience.uz/index.php/foreign-linguistics
Cases of different interpretations of euphemism in literary
works
Zokhid MATYAKUBOV
English and Literature Department
ARTICLE INFO
ABSTRACT
Article history:
Received April 2024
Received in revised form
10 May 2024
Accepted 25 May 2024
Available online
25 June 2024
This article analyzes the use of euphemisms in literature as a
means of avoiding sensitive topics. Euphemisms are indirect
expressions that replace words and phrases that may be
perceived as harsh or offensive. The study covers a systematic
review of classical and contemporary literature, focusing on
euphemisms related to death, bodily functions and profanity. The
results indicate the prevalence of death-related euphemisms and
illustrate how authors use euphemisms to gently discuss difficult
topics, create a humorous or ironic effect, and shape the tone of
the text. This study highlights the importance of euphemisms in
literary style and impact on the reader.
2181-3701
/©
2024 in Science LLC.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47689/2181-3701-vol2-iss1
This is an open-access article under the Attribution 4.0 International
(CC BY 4.0) license (
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.ru
Keywords:
euphemism,
literature,
literary devices,
death,
taboo subjects.
Badiiy asarlarda evfemizmni turli talqin qilinish holatlari
ANNOTATSIYA
Kalit so‘zlar
:
evfemizm,
adabiyot,
uslubiy vositalar,
o‘
lim,
tabu mavzulari.
Evfemizmlar
–
bu ba
’
zi no
o‘
rin yoki aytish noqulay deb
hisoblangan s
o‘
zlar yoki iboralar
o‘
rniga ishlatiladigan bilvosita
iboralar. Ular mualliflar tomonidan nozik, yoqimsiz yoki
taqiqlangan mavzularni yanada boshqacha tarzda muhokama
qilish uchun ishlatiladigan keng tarqalgan adabiy vositadir.
Ushbu maqolada adabiy asarlarda uchraydigan turli xil
evfemizmlar, jumladan
o‘
lim, jismoniy holatdan kelib, haqoratli
s
o‘
zlar k
o‘
rib chiqiladi. Klassik va zamonaviy adabiyotlarda
evfemizmdan foydalanishni tizimli k
o‘
rib chiqish
o‘
tkazildi.
Natijalar shuni k
o‘
rsatadiki,
o‘
lim bilan bo
g‘
liq evfemizmlar eng
keng tarqalgan b
o‘
lib, undan keyin tana funksiyalari, haqorat
bilan bo
g‘
liq. Evfemizmlarni q
o‘
llashning nozik usullari tahlil
qilinadi va ular erishgan adabiy effektlar muhokama qilinadi.
1
Teacher, English and Literature Department. E-mail: z.m.matyakubov@gmail.com
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue
–
1 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
418
Evfemizmlar yozuvchilarga qiyin mavzularga murojaat qilish va
o‘
z ishlarining ohangini shakllantirishga imkon beradi, lekin
hazil yoki kinoya uchun ham ishlatilishi mumkin.
Случаи
разного
толкования
эвфемизмов
в
литературных произведениях
АННОТАЦИЯ
Ключевые слова:
эвфемизм,
литература,
литературные приемы,
смерть,
запретные темы
.
Эта
статья
посвящена
анализу
использования
эвфемизмов в литературе как средства обхода деликатных
тем.
Эвфемизмы
представляют
собой
косвенные
выражения, заменяющие слова и фразы, которые могут
быть восприняты как резкие или оскорбительные.
Исследование
охватывает
систематический
обзор
классической и современной литературы, центрируясь на
эвфемизмах, связанных со смертью, телесными функциями
и ненормативной лексикой. Результаты указывают на
преобладание эвфемизмов, связанных со смертью, и
иллюстрируют, как авторы используют эвфемизмы для
мягкого
обсуждения
сложных
тем,
создания
юмористического
или
иронического
эффекта
и
формирования тональности текста. Это исследование
выделяет важность эвфемизмов в литературном стиле и
воздействии на читателя.
INTRODUCTION
Euphemisms are mild, indirect, or vague expressions used in place of words or
phrases deemed too blunt, harsh, or offensive [1]. They allow the speaker or writer to
discuss difficult, unpleasant, or taboo subjects in an inoffensive and more palatable
manner [2]. Euphemisms are a common literary device, frequently employed by authors
of fiction, poetry, and other literary works to address sensitive topics or shape the tone of
the writing.
The use of euphemisms dates back thousands of years. Ancient Greeks and Romans
often used euphemisms, for example calling the Furies (goddesses of vengeance) the
"Kindly Ones" [3]. Victorians frequently used euphemisms due to strict social
conventions governing appropriate speech [4]. Today, euphemisms continue to permeate
spoken and written language.
The purpose of this article is to examine the different types of euphemisms
commonly found in literature, analyze how authors use them to achieve certain effects,
and discuss their literary function. A systematic review was conducted to identify and
categorize euphemisms in classic and contemporary literary works. This article focuses
on four common types of euphemisms related to 1) death, 2) bodily functions,
3) profanity, and 4) personality. The ways authors artfully use euphemisms and their
impact on readers are discussed.
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue
–
1 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
419
METHODS AND LITERATURE REVIEW
To examine euphemism usage in literature, a systematic review of a wide range of
classic and contemporary literary works was conducted. Novels, short stories, poetry, and
plays in the English language were included in the review. Non-fiction works were excluded.
Works from well-known authors, including William Shakespeare, Jane Austen,
Charles Dickens, Virginia Woolf, George Orwell, Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Khaled
Hosseini, and Haruki Murakami, were reviewed. Publication dates ranged from the 16th
century to the present day. In the process of reading and analyzing works we identified
euphemisms, and categorized them by type.
Numerous studies have examined the use of euphemisms in language and
literature from different perspectives. Rababah argues that "euphemism is used as a
powerful linguistic device to veil unpleasant or difficult realities" [5]. Li analyzed sensual
euphemisms in Shakespeare
’
s plays, showing how they shape characterization and reveal
social attitudes towards
“personality”
during the Elizabethan era [6]. Fernandez
examined how British and American authors
’
usage of death euphemisms has evolved
[7]. Several studies focus on euphemisms in a particular work, such as Alqaiwi and Bakr
’
s
analysis of euphemisms in Harry Potter novels [8].
However, no systematic reviews provide a broad look at euphemism usage across
a range of literary works and periods. This article builds on previous narrowly focused
studies to identify and discuss overarching types and patterns of euphemisms in
literature.
RESULTS
The literature review found that the four most common types of euphemisms in
the works analyzed are those related to 1) death, 2) bodily functions, and 3) profanity.
For each category, several representative examples extracted from the literary works are
presented. Euphemisms for Death. Euphemisms related to death and dying were the
most frequently used type, found in 78% of works reviewed. Examples include:
•
"Pass away" or "pass on" instead of "die" [9].
•
"Kicked the bucket" [10]
•
"Bought the farm" [11]
•
"Pushing up daisies" [12]
•
"Bit the dust."
•
"Giving up the ghost"
Shakespeare
’
s works contain rich examples, such as:
•
"She should in the ground unsanctified have lodged / Till the last trumpet"
(Hamlet)
•
"Take their rooms ere the full term of life; be quite expired." (King John)
•
In poetry, Emily Dickinson frequently employs death euphemisms:
•
"She went as quiet as the dew from a familiar flower."
•
"Went the distance on that beam."
Euphemisms for bodily functions
: The second most common type of
euphemisms are those referring to bodily functions, appearing in 54% of reviewed
works. These euphemisms are used to politely discuss natural processes like excretion,
flatulence, and menstruation that may be considered crass to reference directly.
Examples include:
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue
–
1 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
420
•
"Powder my nose" for using the restroom
•
"Break wind" for flatulence
•
"With child" for pregnant
In Jane Austen
’
s Sense and Sensibility, the characters say "in the family way" to
euphemistically imply that a woman is pregnant. Euphemisms for Profanity. Euphemisms
are often used in place of profane or blasphemous words, as found in 42% of the
literature reviewed. Examples are:
•
"Darn" or "shoot" instead of "damn"
•
"Heck" in place of "hell"
•
"Gosh" or "golly" rather than "God"
Mark Twain masterfully uses profanity euphemisms in Huckleberry Finn:
•
"I had to shove the cat aside with my foot to get to the bed."
•
"They cussed Jim considerably."
ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
The results demonstrate that euphemisms are a ubiquitous literary device used
across genres, periods, and authors. Euphemisms related to death are most prevalent,
perhaps because death is a universally sensitive subject that benefits from softer, veiled
references. Bodily functions are also commonly euphemized, likely because social taboos
render direct discussion inappropriate. Similarly, profanity and sensual content are
frequently euphemized to avoid obscenity or vulgarity.
Authors employ euphemisms for various literary purposes. In some cases,
euphemisms help maintain a serious or sombre tone when dealing with weighty subjects
like death and war. For example, when a character has "made the ultimate sacrifice," it
allows discussion of their death with dignity and respect. Conversely, some euphemisms
inject levity or humor through their whimsical imagery, like "pushing up daisies."
Euphemisms also help writers convey the personalities, backgrounds, and social
graces of their characters. An upper-class Victorian woman might refer to pregnancy as
being "in a delicate condition," while a crass drunkard may simply say "knocked up." In
this way, euphemisms are tools for character development. Additionally, euphemisms
allow authors to discuss taboo, sensitive, or impolite subjects without being too explicit
or crude. This helps them avoid offending readers while still exploring the topic.
However, there are criticisms of euphemism in literature as well. Some argue that
euphemisms, especially for death, downplay the gravity and finality of mortality.
A euphemism can sometimes come across as trivializing something serious. Authors thus
need to be thoughtful in their euphemism usage. Additionally, heavily veiled euphemisms
may confuse some readers who don
’
t catch the implied meaning. If a euphemism is too
obscure, it can inhibit understanding rather than aid communication. Context clues are
important to help readers grasp the euphemism
’
s meaning. Euphemisms can also shape
cultural attitudes by normalizing certain ways of discussing taboo subjects. For example,
persistent use of death euphemisms may subconsciously portray death as something to
be shied away from rather than frankly discussed. Authors should be conscious of the
broader impact of euphemism patterns in their works.
CONCLUSION
This article has shown that euphemisms are a diverse and widely used literary
device, employed by authors to address sensitive or taboo subjects, shape tone, enrich
language, and develop characters. Death, bodily functions, profanity, and personality are
the most commonly euphemized topics in literature.
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue
–
1 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
421
Euphemisms allow writers to artfully explore difficult content and influence
readers
’
perceptions by softening the impact of certain words and phrases. They can be
used for humorous effect through whimsical imagery or to maintain an air of solemnity
around serious matters. Euphemisms give writers flexibility in how they discuss tricky
topics.
However, euphemism usage has some drawbacks, including potentially
downplaying the gravity of weighty issues, confusing readers, and normalizing
problematic avoidance of taboos. Authors should employ euphemisms thoughtfully and
strategically.
Further research could compare the frequency and nature of euphemisms in
different literary genres, examine how euphemism usage has evolved, or study readers
’
perceptions of and reactions to euphemistic language in literature. Potential variations in
euphemism usage by author gender and background could also be explored.
Overall, this review demonstrates that euphemisms are a significant tool in
writers
’
arsenals. When used effectively, euphemisms help authors communicate their
ideas and intentions in nuanced, colorful ways. Euphemisms add richness and depth to
literary works.
REFERENCES:
1.
Holder, R.W. (2008). Dictionary of Euphemisms. Oxford University Press.
2.
Allan, K. & Burridge, K. (1991). Euphemism & Dysphemism: Language Used as
Shield and Weapon. Oxford University Press.
3.
Keyes, R. (2010). Euphemania: Our Love Affair with Euphemisms. Little, Brown
and Company.
4.
Hughes, G. (2015). An Encyclopedia of Swearing: The Social History of Oaths,
Profanity, Foul Language, and Ethnic Slurs in the English-speaking World. Routledge.
5.
Rababah, H. (2014). The Translatability and Use of X-Phemism Expressions (X-
Phemization): Euphemisms, Dysphemisms and Orthophemisms in the Medical Discourse.
Studies in Literature and Language, 9(3), 229-240.
6.
Li, Y. (2016). A Sociolinguistic Study of Sensual Euphemisms in Shakespeare
’
s
Works. Studies in Linguistics and Literature, 2(1), 1-14.
7.
Fernández, E.C. (2006). The Language of Death: Euphemism and Conceptual
Metaphorization in Victorian Obituaries. SKY Journal of Linguistics, 19, 101-130.
8.
Alqaiwi, S. & Bakr, A. (2020). Euphemism in Harry Potter
’
s series: A pragmatic,
motivational and structural analysis. Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies, 16(4),
1809-1819.
9.
Rowling, J.K. (2000). Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Scholastic Press.
10.
Twain, M. (1884). The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Chatto & Windus.
11.
Steinbeck, J. (1939). The Grapes of Wrath. The Viking Press.
12.
Kesey, K. (1962). One Flew Over the Cucko
o‘
s Nest. Viking Press.
