1. 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)
Euphemism
Use in the story
(example)
What is really being
described
Possible reason for use
of euphemism
Uncertain (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)
2. 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 Euphemisms
Death and Dying - passing away
- moving on
What are some benefits to using euphemisms (in other words, why might they be a good idea)?
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What are some disadvantages to using euphemisms (in other words, why might it not be a good
idea)?
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