This flipchart contains several ways to let students explore euphemisms.

5 pages for brainstorm and discussion

1 page for sorting expressions into categories

10 question pages that students can vote on their choice of correct answer.

Many of these pages call for the use of Activote or Activexpression learner response system.

ActivInspire features used in this lesson include:

Question templates

Containers

Page Notes

Rollover showing captions

Action objects

Paint Bucket

Using euphemisms involves using a word or phrase that is more socially acceptable in place of another word or phrase perceived as inappropriate in certain contexts. Speakers employ this technique to avoid using words that have a negative stigma attached to them, to avoid offending others by speaking of taboo or sacred subjects directly, to over-inflate the importance of certain words, and to obfuscate meaning from others.

Particular Challenges for ESL Students While native speakers understand the nuances of English, ESL students often struggle to internalize the social codes of conduct that fuel the need for euphemisms; therefore, they find it very challenging to use them effectively. This is particularly problematic because the English language fluency requires users to master this skill. In addition, through the rise of political correctness, the English language is becoming more and more euphemistically complicated every day. Factoring in the great amount of genre specific language in English (legalese, doublespeak, political speak, etc.) failing to understand euphemisms leaves students vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation by language.