Abstract:English euphemism is an indispensable part of English language. In recent years, many linguists and scholars at home and abroad have done a lot of research on English euphemism. There are numerous documents, periodicals and papers writing based on euphemism. Drawing on the achievements of these linguists and scholars, the author describes and explores the origin, development, classification and function of euphemism.

The text is divided into three parts. The first chapter introduces the definition, origin and development of euphemism; the second chapter concerns the classification of euphemism; the third chapter is on the function of euphemism. The study of euphemism is inseparable from the analysis of its classification and function. As an indispensable part of people’s daily life, it plays an important role in human communication and exchange.

Key words: English euphemism; characteristic; communicative function; pragmatic function

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

Introduction

Ⅰ. English Euphemisms

A. The Definition of Euphemisms

B. The Origin of English Euphemisms

C. The Development of English Euphemisms

Ⅱ. The Classification of English Euphemisms

A. The Stylistic Euphemism and the Traditional Euphemism

1. The Stylistic Euphemism

2. The Traditional Euphemism

B. The Unconscious Euphemism and the Conscious Euphemism

1. The Unconscious Euphemism

2. The Conscious Euphemism

C. Other Types of Euphemisms

Ⅲ. The Function of English Euphemisms

A. The Communicative function

B. The Pragmatic Function

Conclusion

Bibliography

Acknowledgments