Euphemism

EU comes from the Greek word for "well"; in English words in can also mean "good" or "true." A person delivering a eulogy is full of good works, or praise, for the honoree. Euthanasia is regarding as a way of providing a hopelessly sick or injured person a "good" or easy death.

Euphemism \'yu-fe-,mi-zem\ (1)The use of an agreeable or inoffensive word or expression for one that may offend or disgust. (2) An expression used in this way.

*The Victorians, uncomfortable with the physical side of human existence, had euphemisms for most bodily functions.

Euphemism is an ancient part of the English language. While particular expressions come into and go out of vogue, the need for euphemism remains constant. Golly and gosh started out as a euphemisms for God, and darn is a familiar euphemism for darn. Shoot, shucks, and sugar are all euphemistic substitutes for a well-known vulgar word. The standard household bathroom figure has given rise to a host of euphemistic substitutes, including convenience, head, john, potty, privy, and water closet.

Note: My parents bought me M-W Vocabulary Builder almost a year ago. I personally recommend that book for those who want to sharpen their vocabulary. Anyway, they bought the book at National Book Store in MOA.

Source:
Cornog, Mary Wood (1998)
Merriam-Webster's Vocabulary Builder. Merriam-Webster Inc. Pages 94-95.

(I forgot the APA style in writing a bibliography!)