genteelism

English

Etymology

genteel +‎ -ism

Noun

genteelism (plural genteelisms)

1. a nicer word used instead of a vulgar or distasteful word
   • 2005, Alan Hollinghurst, The Line of Beauty, Bloomsbury Publishing, paperback edition, page 296

     Were such cheerful genteelisms any use?

Synonyms

• euphemism

Derived terms

• genteel