Passed away is a euphemism for someone having died.
An example of a euphemism is someone saying "passed away" instead of "died."
- the use of a word or phrase that is less expressive or direct but considered less distasteful, less offensive, etc. than another
- a word or phrase so substituted (Ex.: remains for corpse)
Origin of euphemismClassical Greek euph?mismos ; from euph?mizein, to use words of good omen ; from euph?mos, of good sound or omen ; from eu- (see eu-) + ph?m?, speech ; from phanai, say: see ban
- A mild, indirect, or vague term for one that is considered harsh, blunt, or offensive: “Euphemisms such as ‘slumber room’ &ellipsis; abound in the funeral business” (Jessica Mitford).
- The use of such terms: “Euphemism is common in hospital and medical facilities where bodily functions need to be discussed” (Diane F. Halpern).
Origin of euphemismGreek euph&emacron;mismos, from euph&emacron;mizein, to use auspicious words, from euph&emacron;mi&amacron;, use of auspicious words : eu-, eu- + ph&emacron;m&emacron;, speech; see bh&amacron;-2 in Indo-European roots.
(countable and uncountable, plural euphemisms)
Recorded since 1656; from Ancient Greek εὐφημισμός (euphēmismos), from εὐφημίζω (euphēmizō), from εὔφημος (euphēmos, “uttering sound of good omen, abstaining from inauspicious words”), from εὖ (eu, “well”) + φήμη (phēmē, “a voice, a prophetic voice, rumor, talk”), from φάναι (phanai, “to speak, say”).
euphemism - Computer Definition
An agreeable, inoffensive, less offensive, or politically correct (PC) synonym for a word or phrase that is harsh, unpleasant, or offensive. For example, eccentric is a euphemism for someone who is crazy and rich, as opposed to being just plain crazy like the rest of us poor folks. See also Bless his heart, leverage, and PC.