Euphemism

A euphemism is a milder, indirect, or vague expression used in place of a harsher, more blunt, or uncomfortable one. Euphemisms are often employed to soften the impact of unpleasant truths, make statements sound more palatable, or obscure controversial realities.

🔍 Examples in Context: In everyday language:

“Passed away” instead of “died”

“Let go” instead of “fired”

In scientific or clinical writing:

“Prospectively maintained database” instead of “retrospective data collection”

“Early clinical experience” instead of “uncontrolled, preliminary case series”

“Real-world evidence” instead of “non-randomized, unstandardized observation”

🧠 In critique: Euphemisms in scientific literature often mask methodological weaknesses, minimize adverse results, or gloss over bias, and are a red flag for clinical promotion or academic dilution.