8. Language in use.

Euphemisms are terms that are used instead of other

terms that are too harsh, too direct or too truthful. In the following
exercise, replace the euphemisms in italics with words from the box below.

Toilet

Lying

Underdeveloped

Injected with a
deadly poison/shot

Died

Go to the toilet

Killing

Failed

Fire its workers

The deaths of hundreds of

innocent civilians

Short

Poor people

1. The bombardment caused collateral damage.

____________________________________________________.
The deaths of hundreds of innocent civilians.
2. He is vertically challenged.
____________________________________________________.
Short.
3. The politician was accused of being economical with the truth.
____________________________________________________.
Lying.
4. He works with less privileged members of the community.

Poor people.
____________________________________________________.
5. I'm sorry. Your husband has passed away / gone to a better place / upped stumps and retired
to the pavilion.
____________________________________________________.
Died.
6. The dog was getting on a bit old and was put to sleep.

Injected with a deadly poison / shot.

____________________________________________________.
7. The peace talks had a negative outcome.
____________________________________________________.
Failed.
8. The recession meant that the company had to downsize.
____________________________________________________.
Fire its workers.
9. Is there a public convenience near here? I need to answer the call of nature / spend a penny /
powder my nose.

Toilet/Go to the toilet.

____________________________________________________.
10. Major Patten told reporters that the air force were softening up the enemy before ground
troops went in.
____________________________________________________.
Killing.
11. Cheap imports are a major problem for developing nations.
____________________________________________________.
Underdeveloped.