In addition, many linguists think that the definition of euphemism should be defined in a narrow and broad sense。 For example, Leech thinks that euphemism is used to replace the offensive words in order to make it sound more pleasant and polite。 It is easily seen that Leech attributes the unpleasantness of words to their connotative meanings viewed from the semantic perspective, which are called euphemism in the narrow sense。 For example, we always say “golden age” for “old” and “the black one” for “devil” and so on。 However, Linguist may pay attention to the grammatical ways that form euphemism, such as negation, mood, voice, tense…。 This function is used in a communicative event in order to reach the certain purposes。 Euphemism of this type is called in the broad sense。 For example, if someone says “it seems that what you said dose not match the truth”, which could be understood as “I think you told a lie”。 To sum up, we could have a better understanding of euphemism through its narrow and broad sense。 And euphemism is an effective and roundabout language expression that could substitute the offensive to realize the expecting results in the social communication。 文献综述

2。1。2 Functions of Euphemism

This part will introduce the functions of euphemism, which play an important part in daily communication。 We could appropriately use the positive functions of euphemism to reduce the misunderstanding and keep the friendly interpersonal relationship。 

2。1。2。1 Evasive Function 

Evasive Function means substitute of taboo。 As we all know, taboo is prohibited in many contexts。 That is because its usage is considered as distasteful and offensive in many cultures。 For the sake of talking about the taboo matters, euphemisms are applied to replace the taboo words, avoiding generating anxiety, embarrassed communication。 Euphemistic words could help us to discuss the awkward things and reduce the unpleasantness。 

    Euphemism provides a vary of speaking about the unspeakable, which is the would be safe area of language。 Therefore, people could freely discuss tabooed things with the help of evasive function of euphemism, such as sex, death, disease, religion matters and so on。 For example, people always use euphemism in the things about religion。 Some British people think the religion is holy and inviolable, so they usually avoid the words, such as God and Jesus。 They always replace god with gosh, golly and the king of kings and so on。 来:自[优E尔L论W文W网www.chuibin.com +QQ752018766-

2。1。2。2 Politeness Function 

    The politeness function of euphemism indicates we speak the euphemistic words to express our thoughts, in order not to hurt others’ feelings。 Therefore, euphemism is very useful when we talk about some sensitive topics, such as diseases, old age, sex, poverty。 For example, if people speak sexual relation outside marriage, Chinese people may use the acceptable word like “有第三者” and there are euphemistic expressions like “to work late at the office” and “to have an affair with somebody” in English。

   Euphemism is applied in various areas。 For example, in teaching, teachers always use euphemistic expression to avoid hurting students’ heats and feelings, encouraging them to study hard。 In America, teacher usually says “he needs to develop quieter habits of communication” rather than “he is too clamorous”。 No one wants to lose face in the communication。 Therefore, the speakers try to use euphemism to ease the face threatening。