Where does “euphemism” come from?
Euphemism comes from Ancient Greek εὐφημισμός, derived from εὐφημίζω meaning to speak with good words, from εὔφημος, combining εὖ good with φήμη speech, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European bʰeh₂- to speak.
euphemism (English): The use of a word or phrase to replace another...
Definitions
- The use of a word or phrase to replace another...
Ancestry of “euphemism”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ancient Greek | εὐφημισμός | a euphemism |
| 2 | Ancient Greek | εὐφημίζω | to be well spoken |
| 3 | Ancient Greek | Εὔφημος | uttering sound of good omen |
| 4 | Ancient Greek | φήμη | prophetic voice, oracle; rumor; reputation |
| 5 | Proto-Hellenic | pʰā́mā | — |
| 6 | Proto-Indo-European | bʰeh₂-meh₂ | — |
| 7 | Proto-Indo-European | bʰeh₂- | to shine, glow light; to speak, say |
| 8 | Proto-Indo-European | bʰeh₂-s-ri- | — |