委婉语出现频率颇高,因为人们通过委婉语,用温顺悦耳的词语去谈论或叙述一些原来令人不快或逆耳之事物。在此略举数例,以见一斑:
佣人 maid/servant->domestic help/day help/live-in help;
看门人 janitor->custodian/building engineer;
理发师 barber->cosmetologist;
家庭妇女 housewife->household executive;
收垃圾工人 garbage collector->sanitary engineer;
老年 old age->second childhood;
老人 old people->senior citizens;
假牙 false teeth->dentures;
小解 piss/urinate->number one