Irony & Understatement
Euphemism
Using a mild or indirect phrase for something harsh or taboo: “passed away” or “let go.” The wording can soften a difficult subject or conceal its consequences.
"He is helping the police with their inquiries."
Don't confuse it with Periphrasis. Periphrasis is roundabout wording for any reason; euphemism specifically launders the unpleasant.
Examples
The company said it was “letting him go” instead of saying it was firing him.
The indirect phrase softens the unpleasant fact of dismissal.
Often used alongside this device
Explore devices that often appear in the same passages as euphemism.
Irony 8 Anaphora 7 Parallelism 5 Passive Voice 4 Metaphor 4 Asyndeton 4 Litotes 4 Metonymy 4
The rest of the family
Irony Hyperbole Litotes Meiosis / Understatement Bathos Periphrasis Apophasis