Euphemisms

1
Euphemisms

• Thy Speech Maketh Thee Known
• Matthew 2673

2
Euphemisms

• Christians are to guard their speech (Prov.
  2123 Mt. 1236 Eph. 429 54 Col. 46
  Tit. 28 Jas. 126 39-12 1 Pet.
  310-12)
• Many would never think of using words of cursing,
  profanity, obscenity or vulgarity
• Yet, many will use euphemisms the
  substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague
  expression for one thought to be offensive,
  harsh, or blunt

3
Euphemisms and Cursing

• Many will substitute
• Heck for hell
• Darn for damn
• Gosh or golly for God
• Doggone for God damn
• Gee or gee-whiz for Jesus
• Crikey for Christ

4
Euphemisms and Sinful Conduct

• Many will substitute
• Alternative lifestyle for homosexuality
• Live in or affair for adultery and
  fornication
• Lady of the evening for prostitution
• Disease or alcoholism for drunkenness
• Revenue enhancement or gaming for gambling
• Stretching the truth or exaggerating for
  lying
• Termination of pregnancy for abortion / murder

5
Why Euphemisms?

• Many want to get as close to the world without
  being just like the world (Rom. 121-2 1 Jn.
  215-17)
• Many dont want to be different (1 Pet. 44)
• Many dont want to give up their worldly
  friendships (Jas. 44)
• Many dont want to be harsh or offensive (Rom.
  129)
• Many dont want to call sin what it is (Isa. 520)

6
Guard Your Tongue

• Rule 1 think before you speak (Prov. 1528)
• Rule 2 speak only what is edifying and
  thankful (Eph. 429 54 Col. 46)
• "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of
  my heart Be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my
  Rock and my Redeemer (Psalm 1914)