Metaphor in the Euphemistic Manipulation of the Taboo of Sex.

Abstract

The present paper examines how metaphor works in euphemistic manipulation with reference to the taboo of sex. This manipulation consists of a semantic translation by which a taboo term is replaced by a lexical unit free from the negative connotations of the linguistic taboo. In this process of conceptual makeup, the metaphor stands out as a powerful linguistic device which generates heterogeneous metaphorical euphemistic alternatives which differ on the degree of vinculation and ambiguity with the taboo concept and the mitigating capacity.

In studying the role of figurative language in euphemism, it is also worthwile to draw attention to euphemistic metaphors within the framework of the well known cognitive theory of metaphor initiated by Lakoff and Johnson (1980). In fact, the cognitive value of metaphor and its capacity to structure conceptual domains plays a crucial role in the interpretation and mitigating effectiveness of metaphorical euphemisms in social interaction.