14. Euphemism in Filipino Language

According to Merriem-Webster dictionary, euphemism is a mild or pleasant word or phrase that is used instead of one that is offensive or unpleasant. In laymans terms, 'it is beating around the bush'. Euphemism is a good language technique when in situations where causing too much of an offense to the person would not be good. For example instead of saying "you are fat", one could simply say "you look healthy, you eat well" or simply "big boned"

Living in the Philippines for about 5 years, I have come to realize that Filipinos have a great tendency to use Euphemism in their everyday conversation.And now that I am studying the Filipino language in Asia Pacific College, I have realized that it is very much evident in the use of the language.

Filipino virtue does not seem to depict one that is straight forward; and interpersonalism and frankness is not quite seen in the general concept and culture of the people. Filipinos are better known for their 'courteous insincerity'. Likewise the concern for not hurting the feelings of others is approached by the indirect ways and imprecise vague words.

Traditional Filipinos who practiced the courting ritual primarily used euphemism indirectly with the aid of metaphors. During the old times and much rural areas today, Filipino men would make harana (serenade) the women at night and sing song sof loive and affection. This is basically a Spanish influence. The man is usually accompanied by his close friends who provide moral support for the guy, apart from singing with him. Euphemism on sexual matters is however universal. For example, instead of saying, 'sex', one says 'making love'. But Filipino euphemisms, besides the sexual, abound because of diplomatic concern. Basically meaning having a stance that is somewhat neautral and fair to all.

Here are few examples of Filipino euphemisms used:

• Instead of saying someone has 'died'  ('namatay'), in the Filipino language, one says they 'went to the after life' (sumakabilang buhay)
• Substitute calling someone 'smelly' (mabaho) for 'smell off '~not necessarily good or bad~ (may amoy)
• Substitute calling someone 'ugly' (pangit) with 'not so pretty' (hindi kagandahan)
• Substitute saying someone is 'poor' (mahirap) with 'a little short' ~in terms of necessities~ (Kapos palad/ Salat sa bahay

External Links

http://www.phrasebase.com/archive/tagalog/82-courtship-in-philippine-culture.html

http://resources.iupsys.net/iupsys/index.php/iupsysresources/227-philippines-articles/7992-indigenization-of-psychology-in-the-philippines-2002

http://philippinestudies.net/ojs/index.php/ps/article/viewFile/1962/5012