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【Abstract】As a universal linguistic phenomenon in human society， euphemism is widely used in all social classes and fields. It is an important means to coordinate interpersonal relationship. This research discusses some fundamental knowledge of euphemism. It aims to analyze the humorous function of English euphemism in social interaction， advertisement and expressing professions. Through the analysis of the humorous function of English euphemism， it helps people to reduce mistake， improve the effect of communication and enhance mutual understanding.
【Key words】English euphemism； humorous function； social interaction； advertisement； profession
1. Introduction
As a common linguistic and cultural phenomenon， euphemism is an important means to coordinate interpersonal relationship. It is widely used in all kinds of areas， so it has aroused wide interests from different fields both at home and aboard. In the early 1580s， a British writer， George Blunt， creates the term “euphemism” and defines it as “a good or favorable interpretation of a bad word”（Han Lifen， 2009： 1）. Besides， in the eighteenth and nineteenth century， euphemism rapidly develops in the United Kingdom. There are many other scholars， such as Mencken， Neaman and Silver， D.J.Enright， Allan and Burridge who have made a lot of contributions to the study of euphemism.
It is necessary for human beings to communicate in daily life. However， because of the difference of the life habits， customs and contexts， there are many embarrassments and unhappiness in the communication. Therefore， it is useful to learn how to make full use of the euphemism in different environments and contexts to minimize the hurt to other people and to achieve effective communication. English euphemism is used for the purpose of respect or the unwillingness of hurting others so as to reduce some unpleasant situations or embarrassments caused by straightforward words or concepts； and for the desire of self-exculpation and self-comfort which use euphemism to disguise， satisfy the vanity or achieve a particular purpose（Lu Qingsheng， 2013： 152）.
This research aims to introduce some basic information of euphemism and it mainly talks about its humorous function in different contexts， such as in social interaction， in advertisement and in professions. Through the study of the function of euphemisms can help people to have a general idea about when to use euphemisms and how to use them. It is hoped that there will be less misunderstandings and troubles in daily communications through the use of euphemism. 2. Literature Review
English euphemism comes from Greek word which means words of good omen or good speech. Euphemism has been defined by different scholars in different books and dictionaries. There are some influential definitions of euphemism in some books and articles. Wu Bian
【Key words】English euphemism； humorous function； social interaction； advertisement； profession
1. Introduction
As a common linguistic and cultural phenomenon， euphemism is an important means to coordinate interpersonal relationship. It is widely used in all kinds of areas， so it has aroused wide interests from different fields both at home and aboard. In the early 1580s， a British writer， George Blunt， creates the term “euphemism” and defines it as “a good or favorable interpretation of a bad word”（Han Lifen， 2009： 1）. Besides， in the eighteenth and nineteenth century， euphemism rapidly develops in the United Kingdom. There are many other scholars， such as Mencken， Neaman and Silver， D.J.Enright， Allan and Burridge who have made a lot of contributions to the study of euphemism.
It is necessary for human beings to communicate in daily life. However， because of the difference of the life habits， customs and contexts， there are many embarrassments and unhappiness in the communication. Therefore， it is useful to learn how to make full use of the euphemism in different environments and contexts to minimize the hurt to other people and to achieve effective communication. English euphemism is used for the purpose of respect or the unwillingness of hurting others so as to reduce some unpleasant situations or embarrassments caused by straightforward words or concepts； and for the desire of self-exculpation and self-comfort which use euphemism to disguise， satisfy the vanity or achieve a particular purpose（Lu Qingsheng， 2013： 152）.
This research aims to introduce some basic information of euphemism and it mainly talks about its humorous function in different contexts， such as in social interaction， in advertisement and in professions. Through the study of the function of euphemisms can help people to have a general idea about when to use euphemisms and how to use them. It is hoped that there will be less misunderstandings and troubles in daily communications through the use of euphemism. 2. Literature Review
English euphemism comes from Greek word which means words of good omen or good speech. Euphemism has been defined by different scholars in different books and dictionaries. There are some influential definitions of euphemism in some books and articles. Wu Bian