Voices en Español

Euphemisms are the verbal equivalent of a silk scarf that help cover or soften the appearance of ideas or thoughts that might seem a bit too direct or impolite. Not surprisingly, most euphemisms have to do with aging, dying or one’s physical condition or social standing. For example, a Spanish euphemism to refer to an old person is the word “anciano” because the actual Spanish word for old (viejo) is considered very harsh when used to refer to people. You’ll hear native Spanish speakers go to great lengths not to refer to someone as viejo, using the dimunitive viejito or viejecito unless it is in the context of being an old (lifelong) friend. It has always struck me as odd that it is OK to call someone anciano (“ancient”) but not viejo (“old”) in Spanish. In any case, Spanish, like English, has plenty of euphemisms, but they aren’t words and phrases that you will necessarily learn unless you’ve been exposed to them.

Can you guess the true meanings of the following Spanish euphemisms? (Answers below.)

a). casa de reposo

b). dar a luz

c). defunción

d). disminuido psíquico

e). disminuido físico

f). empleada del hogar, empleado de finca urbana

g). estar en estado

h). estar ebrio

i). mujer pública, mujer de la vida

j). invidente

k). pasar a mejor vida

l). residencia de la tercera edad

ANSWERS

a). “Una casa de reposo” is a psychiatric hospital (manicomio).

b). Dar a luz means to give birth (parir).

c). Defunción is a fancy way of saying death (muerte) in Spanish.

d). Disminuido psíquico is one euphemistic way of referring to someone who is mentally retarded (retrasado mental, subnormal, tonto).

e). Dismunuido físico is a softer way of saying invalid (inválido) or cripple (tullido).

f). Empleada del hogar= housekeeper (asistenta) or maid (criada). Empleado de finca urbana = janitor, doorman or building superintendent (portero)

g). Estar en estado = to be expecting, i.e. to be pregnant (estar embarazada)

h). Estar ebrio = to be drunk (estar borracho)

i). Mujer pública, mujer de la vida = prostituta. But ¡ojo! un hombre público is an upstanding guy who is known and respected for his contribution to his community. See comments below for another perspective.

j). Invidente = ciego

k). Pasar a mejor vida = morir

l). Residencia de la tercera edad is an old folk’s home (asilo de ancianos) in Spanish.

Have any good euphemisms in Spanish? Share them with us in the comments section!