English euphemisms

Some subjects are considered personal, sensitive or taboo in English. For this reason, people avoid mentioning them by name and instead use a “euphemism” or humorous expression to refer to them. Here are some common euphemisms in English.

To refer to death

pass away: “Her uncle passed away last year.”
fight a long battle with: “He fought a long battle with cancer.”

Humorous expressions to refer to death

meet your maker: “He’s gone to meet his maker.”
six feet under: “I won’t worry about money When I’m six feet under.”
pushing up daisies: “Last I heard about him, he’s pushing up daisies.”
in your / his / my box: “When I’m in my box you can argue all you like about the inheritance.”
snuff it: “I’ve heard that poor old Ernie has snuffed it.”
popped his clogs: “Harold popped his clogs last year.”
kick the bucket: “So Joe has finally kicked the bucket.”

Animal euthanasia

put down: “We had to put our cat down as she was very ill.”
put an end to its suffering: “We put an end to her suffering.”

To refer to the bathroom

restroom: “Can I use the restroom?”
Where can I wash my hands?

public conveniences: “Are there any public conveniences nearby?”
ladies / gents: “The ladies and gents are down the corridor on your right.”
Can I use your bathroom?

Humorous expressions to refer to the bathroom

the bog: “He’s in the bog.”
the smallest room of the house: “I’d like to pay a visit to the smallest room of the house.”
powder my nose: “Where can I powder my nose?”
see a man about a dog: “He’s gone to see a man about a dog.”

Other themes

Unemployment
between jobs: “Steve is between jobs at the moment.”
a resting actor: “Harry’s a resting actor.” (Only use for unemployed actors.)

Pregnancy
in the family way: “She was in the family way, so they got married.”
have a bun in the oven: “Have you heard that Katy has a bun in the oven?”

Drunk
tired and emotional: “The newspaper said the president was tired and emotional.”
have a bit too much to drink: “He had a bit too much to drink last night.”
to be a bit worse for wear: “He was a bit worse for wear by the time he came home.”
to have over-indulged: “I think he over-indulged in the free beer at the party.”

Lying
economical with the truth: “The boss is known for being economical with the truth.”

Arguments
full and frank discussion: “The directors had a full and frank discussion in the meeting.”
have words with someone: “Those two have had words.”

Being poor
be disadvantaged: “The government is introducing new schemes to help the disadvantaged.”
financially embarrassed: “I’m afraid I can’t come to the restaurant with you. I’m financially embarrassed at the moment.”