Difference Between Euphemism and Doublespeak

The main difference between euphemism and doublespeak is that euphemism refers to the use of milder words to replace harsh words, whereas doublespeak refers to the deliberate distortion of language.

Euphemism refers to polite, indirect expressions that replace words and phrases considered harsh, unpleasant or impolite, whereas doublespeak refers to language that deliberately distorts or reverses the meaning of words. Both euphemism and doublespeak are related phenomena where something is expressed indirectly. Doublespeak may take the form of euphemism, but euphemism is not the only form of doublespeak. Moreover, it can also use different forms, such as inflated language and excessive jargons.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Euphemism
     – Definition, Characteristics, Examples
2. What is Doublespeak
     – Definition, Characteristics, Examples
3. What is the Relationship Between Euphemism and Doublespeak
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Euphemism and Doublespeak
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Euphemism, Doublespeak

What is Euphemism

Euphemism is a polite or indirect word that is used instead of a word or phrase that may be harsh, offensive or unpleasant. Thus, we use euphemisms to avoid saying an offensive or harsh word. Moreover, we use many euphemisms in everyday language. They have the ability to soften harsh or sensitive concepts, to make the language polite as well as to avoid taboo subjects like sex, disability, and excretion. For example, using the phrase ‘passed away’ to indicate death is a euphemism. Let’s look at some more examples:

Correctional facility – prison
Letting go – firing
Chronologically-challenged – late
Industrial action – strike
Courtesy reminder – bill
Portly – heavy or overweight
Put to sleep – euthanize
In the family way – pregnant
Special – disabled

Figure 1: Pre-owned is a Euphemism for Second hand

Furthermore, it is possible to create euphemisms in different ways. Some of these techniques are as follows:

⦁ Using long phrases or words to mask unpleasant words
Ex: mentally challenged for stupid, perspiration for stupid
⦁ Using foreign words to replace unpleasant words
Ex: faux for fake
⦁ Using abbreviations
Ex: WC for toilet

What is Doublespeak

Doublespeak refers to language that intentionally obscures, distorts or reverses the meaning of words. Thus, it is intended to confuse or deceive people. Moreover, doublespeak is often associated with political speech. In addition, it has the ability to make the bad appear good, and negative appear positive. Although doublespeak pretends to communicate, it doesn’t. In fact, doublespeak distorts reality and misleads people.

Moreover, doublespeak may take the form of deliberate ambiguity, euphemism or even generalizations. The deliberate use of inflated language, gobbledygook (language that becomes unintelligible by excessive use of technical terms) and jargon can also result in doublespeak. Let’s look at some examples:

Terminological inexactitude – a lie
Organoleptic analysis – the act of smelling
Negative patient care outcome – the patient died
Members of a career-offender cartel – mafia
Resource development park – a dump

Furthermore, the term doublespeak is a neologism that originated from the words Newspeak and Doublethink in George Orwell’s novel 1984. However, Orwell himself never used the term doublespeak.

Relationship Between Euphemism and Doublespeak

• Both euphemism and doublespeak are related phenomena where something is expressed in an indirect way.
• In fact, doublespeak may take the form of euphemism.

Difference Between Euphemism and Doublespeak

Definition

Euphemism refers to polite, indirect expressions that replace words and phrases considered harsh, unpleasant or impolite ,whereas doublespeak refers to language that deliberately distorts or reverses the meaning of words.

Function

While euphemisms use mild words to replace harsh words and soften inoffensive or unpleasant concepts, doublespeak makes the negative appear positive and distorts reality.

Techniques

Euphemisms can be created by using long phrases or words to mask unpleasant words, using foreign words to replace unpleasant words using abbreviations, etc. while the deliberate use of inflated language, gobbledygook, jargon and euphemisms can create doublespeak.

Context

We use euphemisms in everyday language, but doublespeak is often used in political speech and advertising.

Conclusion

Euphemism is a polite or indirect word that is used instead of a word or phrase that may be harsh, offensive or unpleasant. In contrast, doublespeak refers to language that intentionally obscures, distorts or reverses the meaning of words. Thus, the main difference between euphemism and doublespeak is that euphemism refers to the use of milder terms to replace harsh terms whereas doublespeak refers to the deliberate distortion of language.

Reference:

1. Damron, Michele. “Doublespeak.” Damron Planet, Available here.
2. Nordquist, Richard. “What Is Doublespeak?” ThoughtCo, 2 Apr. 2018, Available here.
3. “Euphemism – Examples and Definition of Euphemism.” Literary Devices, 10 Jan. 2018, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Ford, Pre-Owned Cars” By Mike Mozart (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
2. “3159217” (CC0) via Pixabay