Doublespeak vs Euphemism: What’s the Difference?
The difference at a glance
Doublespeak uses language to deliberately obfuscate or hide the truth. A euphemism is used to make a harsh topic seem more pleasant or socially acceptable.
Example sentences are illustrative learning examples, not verified quotations.
What does Doublespeak mean?
noun · /ˈdʌb.əl.spiːk/
Language that deliberately obscures, disguises, or distorts meaning — making something difficult to understand or making the unacceptable seem acceptable. Political and corporate speech frequently employs doublespeak to avoid direct accountability.
Explore DoublespeakDoublespeak in a sentence
'Collateral damage' for civilian deaths, 'enhanced interrogation' for torture — military doublespeak that makes the unacceptable technical.
Corporate doublespeak: 'right-sizing' for firing people, 'sunset' for ending a program.
What does Euphemism mean?
noun · /ˈjuːfɪmɪz(ə)m/
A mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered too harsh or blunt — a way of discussing difficult subjects with the comfort of indirection.
Explore EuphemismEuphemism in a sentence
The euphemism 'enhanced interrogation' was designed to make torture hard to call by its name.
'Passed away' is a euphemism that many find comforting — the gentleness is sometimes the point.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Doublespeak and Euphemism?
Doublespeak uses language to deliberately obfuscate or hide the truth. A euphemism is used to make a harsh topic seem more pleasant or socially acceptable.
What does Doublespeak mean?
Language that deliberately obscures, disguises, or distorts meaning — making something difficult to understand or making the unacceptable seem acceptable. Political and corporate speech frequently employs doublespeak to avoid direct accountability.
What does Euphemism mean?
A mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered too harsh or blunt — a way of discussing difficult subjects with the comfort of indirection.