Euphemism//Eufemismos

Question

Here in this topic you can share Spanish or English euphemisms with their context.

Aquí en este tema se puede decir un eufemismo en español o inglés con una descripción del contexto en que se lo puede usar.

Often you can´t translate them, so do your best to describe the situation you would use them in, so others may understand.

Muchas veces no se los pueden traducir, así hay que describir la situación (en que se los usan) lo mejor posible para que la gente pueda comprender.

I´ll begin first with two:

A. Bodily functions (euphemism for the various noises your body can make, often the gross ones: fart, burp, sneeze...)

las funciones fisiológicas (eufemismo de los ruidos que puede hacer un cuerpo, normalmente los ascos: un eructo, un pedo, un estornudo...)

B. Pushing up daisies or six feet under (euphemism for someone who is dead, literally referring to the person's body being buried.) "The reason you haven't seen him for ten years is because he's pushing up daisies."

empujando las margaritas hacia arriba [literal translation] o seis pies debajo del suelo [literal translation] (eufemismo de una persona muerta, literalmente refiere a su cuerpo enterrado)

The Spanish version of "pushing up daisies" is criando malvas (the translations I provided above for B are literal translations and not actually used idioms)

Hace diez años que le has visto porque está criando malvas.

I don't agree with "funciones fisiológicas". The meaning is a lot wider than that. It includes every body function, not just the gross noises. La digestión y la respiración son funciones fisiologicas. - 00d312f5, Mar 22, 2012

Good idea, missy. - annierats, Mar 22, 2012

Guimmys--Really? I was just using what SpanishDict gave me, but it could be wrong! :) - missy8888, Mar 26, 2012

Now that I think about it, the dictionary is right, but it is referring to bodily functions. Just like some of my examples, the euphemism can be read 2 ways. Bodily functions, as in functions of the body, as well as the gross noises! - missy8888, Mar 27, 2012

Answer 1

The words "baño" and "bathroom" are euphemisms, because they can be just a toilet, where you'd never take a bath.

Exactly! - --Mariana--, Mar 22, 2012

I think it´s funny how we say "half bathroom" and "full bathroom" in real estate terms to indicate whether or not it actually has a bathtub/shower! - missy8888, Apr 5, 2012

Answer 2

I'm going to powder my nose (In other words, I'm going to use the toilet)

Voy a arreglar mi maquillaje. (voy a usar el inodoro)

Answer 3

Going #1 and/or #2 are euphemisms for urinate and defecate (sp?)

Spelling correct...jejej - --Mariana--, Mar 22, 2012

Answer 4

We say "la tercera edad" (third age) or "adulto mayor" (senior adults) for "old people" "incremento negativo" (negative growth) for "losses"

Answer 5

Last year was a bit of a nightmare:

I lost my father

My favourite horse had to be put down, he's grazing the heavenly pastures now,

then my old cat went to the happy hunting grounds as well.

Maybe this year will be better, one of my sisters is in the family way.
It's a pity my mother is going gaga

Answer 6

My beloved Woofy passed away (in other words, he died).

Mi querido Woofy ha fallecido.

Answer 7

Estoy desempleado =>
- Me he dado un tiempo para reorientar mi vida.
- Estoy de meses sabáticos.
- Tengo una pausa laboral.
- Mi vida personal es lo que más me interesa en este momento.
- Necesitaba un respiro.
- Estoy cansado de luchar contra el sistema desde adentro.
- Necesito encontrarme a mí mismo.
- Quiero hacer algo que llene mi espíritu y no mi bolsillo.
- Necesito enriquecerme interiormente.
- Estoy dejando paso a las generaciones de jóvenes.
- Estoy opositando.

Answer 8

• Dumb as a rock. Thick as a plank. Estúpido como una piedra (un tablón).
• Isn't playing with a full deck. No está jugando con todos los naipes.

I like in the movie "Oh Brother Where Art Thou" when George Clooney says "Dumber than a bag of hammers." Although I don't know if it's a euphemism since it sure doesn't paint them in the best light... - missy8888, Mar 23, 2012

Answer 9

She is a girl of character = She is very plain and difficult to get on with as well .

( If my mother-in-law is the speaker.)

But this one is a REAL LITTLE LADY= this one I approve of, She is goodlooking and does what I say ( mother-in -law is speaking again..)

I haven't heard the "Real little lady" one! haha - missy8888, Mar 23, 2012

Answer 10

"Discúlpame un segundo, tengo que regar las plantas".

"Excuse me, I must go to water the plants".

Which means "I have to make piss"

Good one, caefuego. - annierats, Mar 22, 2012

In Englsih we say: I have to have a pee, normally. In England anyway. - annierats, Mar 22, 2012

In the USA, we say "I have to pee." I notice England likes to throw in an extra "have" here and there! haha - missy8888, Mar 23, 2012

Answer 11

"no es muy atractivo/bonito" = "es feo"

"it isn't very beautiful" = "it's ugly"

"Beautiful" - --Mariana--, Mar 22, 2012

Thanks - comunacho, Mar 22, 2012

"That girl...isn't very attractive. " Hahaha - missy8888, Mar 23, 2012

Answer 12

Oooh another one:

When a person with a boyfriend/girlfriend or wife/husband says to their partner "I want to take some time apart," it´s a euphemism for wanting to break up or separate.

Cuando una persona con novio/a o esposo/a dice a su pareja "Quiero un poco de tiempo para estar separado/a" es eufemismo de tener ganas de dejar su pareja.

"Tenemos que hablar" ; - ) (when I said this to X, he overreacted in my eyes (until much, much later somebody explained to me that this is ThE phrase for starting the break-up talk)). - mcl020, Dec 18, 2012

Answer 13

mcl020 made me think about this one...

is "dar a luz" considered a euphemism? It is Spanish for "giving birth," or "having a child"

(If you see a pregnant woman, you can ask "Cuándo das a luz?" to see what her expected date is for having the baby)

Literally translated, it is "to give light." However, it is usually the only way to say "have a baby" so I am not sure...

I had been thinking about this also. It most definitely is a nicer, disguising way of saying what physically happens. But then again: it is what REAlLY happens as well. Difficult one. - mcl020, Mar 23, 2012

I've always thought it was 'dar a luz' but I may be wrong. - martha-sd, Mar 23, 2012

Ah! You are right, Martha! All fixed. mcl020--you are right there, too. It is a physical and metaphorical thing at the same time, if it were at all possible! - missy8888, Mar 26, 2012

Answer 14

Some more re dying/death:
- pass over to the other side
- eternal rest
- sleep forever
- give up the ghost
- no longer with/amongst us
- gone (away)
- bitten the dust
- feeding the worms
- ....
for pets:
- put to sleep
- gone over the rainbow bridge

---

re: toilets
- rest room
- ladies' room and gents' room
- ...

---

re: pregnancy
- bun in the oven
- expecting

Answer 15

To fire someone-->To "let someone go."

"Steve wasn´t doing his job very well. Last week we let him go."

It sounds less aggressive on the boss's part!