Euphemisms are vague expressions we use to replace something blunt and direct. For example, instead of saying that someone was “fired” (blunt and direct), we might say that the person was “laid off” (vague and indirect). There are many euphemisms that we use in the workplace. Review the list of euphemisms below and then try the practice exercise.
Euphemisms we use at work
rich: wealthy, well-to-do, well-off
poor: economically disadvantaged, needy, in need
unemployed: out of work, between jobs
to fire: to lay off, to let (someone) go, to terminate, to downsize, to restructure
to quit: to resign, to leave the company
pay: salary, compensation, compensation plan
boss: supervisor, manager
secretary: administrative assistant, personal assistant
janitor/custodian: maintenance worker
fat: heavyset
elderly/old person: senior citizen, senior, pensioner, retiree
problem: issue
worried: concerned
used: pre-owned
lie: fabrication
to lie: to fabricate
poor country/third-world country: developing country
illegal workers/illegal immigrants: undocumented workers
to owe money: to have an outstanding payment
cheap (person): frugal, thrifty
bathroom: restroom
Euphemisms Practice Exercise
Make the sentences less direct by replacing the words in bold with a euphemism (potential answers below).
1. I have a coworker who comes from a rich family.
2. Let me talk this over with my boss and I’ll get back to you.
3. John quit. His last day was Tuesday.
4. Which one is Kevin?
He’s the fat guy in the orange shirt.
5. Unfortunately, my brother doesn’t have a job.
6. Margaret is on bereavement leave for a few days. Her cousin died last night.
7. This Christmas, my coworkers and I are buying presents for poor kids.
8. I’ll be right there. Just let me go to the bathroom first.
9. Did you hear that management has fired some people?
10. We’re looking to hire a new secretary for our vice president.
11. Many very old people are upset about their pensions.
12. We employ two full-time janitors.
13. What he said about me is a total lie.
14. We can cut costs by moving our manufacturing facilities to a poor country.
15. There is a problem with the functionality of the software.
16. This is out of my price range. Maybe we should consider buying a used car.
17. He’s cheap and doesn’t like to spend money on things he doesn’t need.
18. Many illegal immigrants are employed in this industry.
19. You owe us money.
20. We’re worried that it might be an expensive solution.
Potential Answers:
1. I have a coworker who comes from a rich wealthy/well-to-do family.
2, Let me talk this over with my boss supervisor/manager and I’ll get back to you.
3. John quit resigned. His last day was Tuesday.
4. Which one is Kevin?
He’s the fat guy heavyset man in the orange shirt.
5. Unfortunately, my brother doesn’t have a job is between jobs/is out of work.
6. Margaret is on bereavement leave for a few days. Her cousin died passed away last night.
7. This Christmas, my coworkers and I are buying presents for poor economically disadvantaged/under-privileged kids.
8. I’ll be right there. Just let me go to the bathroom restroom first.
9. Did you hear that management has fired laid off some people? (or “let some people go”)
10. We’re looking to hire a new secretary administrative assistant/personal assistant for our vice president.
11. Many very old people seniors/senior citizens/retirees/pensioners are upset about their pensions.
12. We employ two full-time janitors maintenance workers.
13. What he said about me is a total lie complete fabrication.
14. We can cut costs by moving our manufacturing facilities to a poor country developing country.
15. There is a problem an issue with the functionality of the software.
16. This is out of my price range. Maybe we should consider buying a used pre-owned car.
17. He’s cheap thrifty/frugal and doesn’t like to spend money on things he doesn’t need.
18. Many illegal immigrants undocumented workers are employed in this industry.
19. You owe us money have an outstanding payment.
20. We’re worried concerned that it might be an expensive solution.
For more euphemisms, see this list of euphemisms for English language learners.