Abstract:Euphemism is a common linguistic phenomenon in global culture. It plays an important part in our daily communication. As an indispensable and natural part of English language, English euphemism has aroused wide interest among many linguists and scholars from different perspectives. Euphemism is deeply rooted in every aspect of life and is developed with the advancement of society. English euphemism is a mirror of Western culture and social psychology. It has a distinct culture color from the moment it was born. Euphemism undoubtedly reflects the inner relationship among the cultural tradition, social values and the form of language. This essay first briefly introduces the characteristics of the euphemism, namely, universality, indirectness, nationalism and regionalism. The functions of euphemism on politics and war are to disguise the serious social problems, to cover political scandals, to distort the facts and to present a false picture of peace. The communicative functions of euphemism are to avoid embarrassment, ease the situation or behave politely..

Key words：euphemism; function; disguise; avoidance; religious; polite

中文摘要:委婉语是一种常见的全球语言现象。它是我们日常沟通的重要组成部分。作为英语不可或缺的的一部分，英语委婉已引起许多语言学家和学者的广泛关注。委婉扎根于社会生活的各个方面，并与社会发展同步。英语委婉语是西方文化与社会心理的反映。从它诞生时就有独特的文化色彩。委婉无疑反映了文化传统之间的内在关系，社会价值观念和语言形式。本文首先简要介绍了委婉的特点：普遍性，间接性，民族性和区域性。委婉语在政治和战争中使用是为了掩盖严重的社会问题、政治丑闻、歪曲事实、提出和平假象。委婉语在交谈中使用是为了避免尴尬，缓和局势和表现得得体。

关键词：委婉；功能；掩饰；避讳；宗教；得体