对英语委婉语若干问题的探讨

Probing into Some Issues Related to English Euphemisms

对有关英语委婉语(euphemism)的几个问题进行探讨。认为对于英语委婉语可以根据Rawson提出的公式进行量化的评估,说明了英语委婉语的历时性与共时性,指出了率直语(dysphemism)通过语境软化的可能性,介绍了在委婉语使用上的歧见,并归纳了英语委婉语的主要构成手段。

This essay probes into some issues related to euphemisms in English. It maintains that it is possible to make a quantified assessment of a particular euphemism according to the formula proposed by Rawson; it addresses the diachroneity and synchronicity of different euphemisms; it points out that if a dysphemism is used in an appropriate context, its possible offensiveness or unpleasantness can be softened and an equally euphemistic result can be achieved; it gives an account of the different views on the use of euphemisms; and it sums up the main means by which English euphemisms are formed.