Name: ____________________________________ Date: _________________________

Euphemisms

In The Giver, Lois Lowry helps create an alternate world by having the community use words in a very special way. Though the community stresses what it calls "precision of language," in fact it is built upon language that is not precise, but that deliberately clouds meaning. Euphemism is a way of describing an offensive or unpleasant thing using mild or vague language.

Fill in the chart below with euphemisms that are used by the community in The Giver. The first one is done for you as an example. Find other examples of euphemisms (language that clouds meaning) from the story for the blank spaces at the bottom. (Others to choose from: Elsewhere, Nurturer, replacement child, Assignment, comfort object, feelings, medication)

EuphemismUse in the story

(example)What is really being

describedPossible reason for use

of euphemismUncertain (p.42) Although normally a

child that was too small was released, “Gabriel had been labeled Uncertain and given another year”

Gabriel is too small, so if he does not grow enough in a year he will be released (discarded)

“Uncertain” sounds better than “unhealthy” or “too small.” “Might-be-released” also sounds harsh.

Release (p.2)

Stirrings (p. 37)

Now think of euphemisms we use in everyday life to describe things that are awkward or uncomfortable to talk about. For example, we have euphemisms to speak about death, bodily functions, aging, and other things that are unpleasant to talk about directly.

“Difficult” Subject EuphemismsDeath and Dying - passing away

- moving on

What are some benefits to using euphemisms (in other words, why might they be a good idea)?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What are some disadvantages to using euphemisms (in other words, why might it not be a good idea)?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________