Euphemisms for Chinese ESL HS Students

A euphemism is:

• A situation that helps you understand how to tell a lie

• A lie used to hurt someone's feelings

• Intended to make someone believe something is not true

• A polite word or phrase used to make something less disgusting or horrrible

Answer explanation

euphemism = 委婉语

She's gone to a better place is a euphemism for...

• She's on vacation
• She's dead
• She's left the country
• She's in Canada

Answer explanation

She's gone to a better place - she's dead. = 她去了一个更好的地方 = 她死了。

What is a euphemism for pregnant?

• Faux pas
• Expecting
• Tired
• Over the top

Answer explanation

pregnant = 孕 expecting = 期待

Economically disadvantaged is a euphemism for...

• Lost
• Jobless

• Poor
• Rich

Answer explanation

Economically disadvantaged = 经济上处于不利地位 Poor = 贫穷的

"That horrible old guy has finally kicked the bucket."

• left

• died

• hid

• vacationed

Answer explanation

kicked the bucket = 踢了桶 died = 死了

"I'm actually in-between jobs at the moment. I'm sure I'll find one soon."

• Bored
• Tired
• Unemployed
• On the run

Answer explanation

in-between jobs = 中间职位 unemployed = 失业者

"I bought a pre-owned car."

• New
• Fast
• Used
• Loud

Answer explanation

pre-owned = 二手 used = 用过的

So, if you seem to be getting a little thin on top, you are not alone! 

• Pretty

• Old
• Bald
• Ugly

Answer explanation

a little thin on top = 上面有点薄 bald = 秃

What does this euphemism mean? Living on the streets.

• Homeless

• Dead

• Fat

• Unemployed

Answer explanation

living on the streets = 流落街头 homeless = 无家可归

Euphemism for farting would be...

• gassing up

• breaking wind

• windy weather

• flatulence

Answer explanation

farting = 放屁 breaking wind = 破风