Abstract

In written or spoken language, we prefer to use some words or phrases or ignore some others. In
linguistic this is called euphemism. "A word or phrase used as a substitute for a vulgar, profane,
blahphemous or otherwise disturbing expression". (Dictionary of lexicography, 1998, p:53) The
paper investigates the use of euphemism in contemporary Urdu language. More examples are
given from Persian and English languages. Also the paper traces euphemism in old Urdu books
and dictionaries.

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pass on; fall asleep
die
after life
death
departed
dead
professional car
hearse
slumber room
funeral business
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powder my nose
go to the toilet
relieve
urinate

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mature, mellow, riper years ( at a ripe old age), sunset years, the golden years,
twilight years.
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cancer
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inexpressibles ( unmentionables :unhittable
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to die

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;"English: "to pass away"; "be no more"; "leave this world"; "go to a better world"; "go west
"pass over"; "expire"; "breath one's last"; "fall asleep"; "in the Lord"; "join the great majority".


( )
:
* Neaman, Judith - Carole, G.Silver, (1983), "Kind Words: A Thesaurus of Euphemism".
* "Rawsons's Dictionary of Euphemism and other doubletalk", (2003).
 * Ayto, Jogn, (2000), " Bloomsbury Dictionary of Euphemism".
* Holder, R.H, (2008), "How to say what you mean: A Dictionary of Euphemism".
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Promotion of Urdu
Language, New Delhi.
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introduction by: Simon Winchester,
Reissued in new covers; 2002; London.
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London & New York.
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Brothers, New York.
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Canada.
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