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Euphemisms

Euphemisms are pretended synonyms. A euphemism is a nice sounding word that puts a good face on a bad sounding word. The word is talking about the same act, practice, or exclamation but does it in such a way that the act, practice, or exclamation does not sound bad. In fact, it might sound good or at least, innocent.

Examples: Adultery—Affair
Homosexuality—Gay
Jesus!—Geez or Gee Whiz
The Lord’s name in condemnation—Dog gone it or goldarnit
Condemnation—Darn it

Some people think it is a virtue to soften words of sin. It sort of cleans up the dirt. It does not succeed; it only has the appearance of clean without being clean. Why not? God cleanses that which is confessed as sin. Because we have cleaned up the word the sin is not confessed and therefore not forgiven.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

Comments

tmm said…
My conscience has been bugging me about saying "darn it" and other euphemisms so much. Thank you for the rebuke
2:17 PM
Anonymous said…
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Since I have been converted (circa 1997), I have been very sensitive regarding the use of God’s name. Or so I thought. After being directly convicted by one of the phrases you addressed, I did some research on other phrases, or “minced oaths.” I was surprised (in one sense) with the abundance of seemingly benign phrases that I was using or that Christian brothers and sisters are using. I praise God for your teaching and look forward to the words of my mouth being more reverent and less in number!
12:42 PM
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