Figures of Speech – JSS1 English Lesson Note (Third Term)

A euphemism is a mild or polite word or phrase used in place of one that sounds unpleasant or embarrassing, such as “passed on” for “died”. A pun is a clever or humorous use of a word that has more than one meaning, or of words that sound alike but have different meanings.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• define euphemism and pun;
• identify euphemisms and say what plain word each one replaces;
• identify puns and explain the two meanings in each;
• give their own examples of euphemisms and puns.

What is a figure of speech?

A figure of speech is a word or phrase used in a special way, not in its plain meaning, to make speech or writing clearer, stronger or more interesting. Euphemism and pun are two figures of speech.

What is a euphemism?

Euphemism is an indirect word or phrase that people often use to refer to something unpleasant or embarrassing to make it seem more acceptable than it is.

Examples of euphemism

Why do people use euphemisms?

• To be polite and avoid hurting people’s feelings.
• To avoid words that sound rude, harsh or frightening.
• To speak about private matters, such as death or pregnancy, with respect.

What is a pun?

Pun is the clever or humorous use of a word that has more than one meaning, or of words that have different meanings but sound the same.

Examples of pun

• We are banking on them to lend us the money. “Banking on” means depending on someone. A bank is also the place that lends money, so the word plays on both ideas.
• I used to be a banker, but I lost interest. “Interest” means both curiosity and the extra money paid on a loan or savings.
• Why can a bicycle not stand up by itself? It is two-tyred. “Two-tyred” sounds like “too tired”. A bicycle has two tyres, and it is also too tired to stand.
• The maths book was sad because it had too many problems. “Problems” means both sums in a maths book and troubles.

What is the difference between euphemism and pun?

Evaluation

1. Which of these is a euphemism for “died”? A. passed away B. fell down C. ran away D. woke up
2. Which of these is a euphemism for “old person”? A. beggar B. senior citizen C. stranger D. visitor
3. In “I used to be a banker, but I lost interest”, which word has two meanings?
4. True or false: a pun uses a word with more than one meaning, or words that sound alike.
5. Is this sentence a euphemism or a pun? “The maths book was sad because it had too many problems.”

Answer key

1. A
2. B
3. interest
4. True
5. Pun

Assignment

1. What does “in the family way” mean?
2. Write the two meanings of “banking” in the sentence “We are banking on them to lend us the money.”
3. Write the two meanings of “problems” in the sentence “The maths book was sad because it had too many problems.”

Answer key for teachers

1. Pregnant.
2. Depending on or trusting someone; and the work of a bank, which keeps and lends money.
3. Questions or sums in a maths book; and troubles or difficulties.