ELS-JISH

ELS Journal on Interdisciplinary Studies on Humanities

Volume 1 Issue 4, 2018
ISSN (print) : 2621-0843
ISSN (online) : 2621-0835
Homepage : http://journal.unhas.ac.id/index.php/jish

A Comparative Study of Euphemism in English and Buginese: Pragmatic Stylistics

Contexts

Bachriani1, Abdul Hakim Yassi2, Fathu Rahman3

anhiebakhtiar@yahoo.com

Abstract
The research explores the euphemism in English and Buginese. The difference of one language with other
languages can be seen from the aspect of using a euphemism. Likewise, what happens to the differences
and similarities of the two languages.This research attempts to describe the form and function of euphemism
in English and Buginese Descriptive qualitative method is used to reveal the form and function of euphemism
by comparative study to find out the similarities and differences of euphemism in English and Buginese.
There are 16 forms of euphemism in English based on Allan and Burridge’s theory. While in Buginese there
are 18 form of euphemism, According to this theory, there are 3 main points of the function of euphemism in
English while the function of euphemism in Buginese consists of 6 main points. This research shown that
euphemism form and function of euphemism in Buginese more complex than euphemism form and fuction in
English.
Keywords: Euphemism, form, function, Buginese
How to cite: Bachriani. (2018). A Comparative Study of Euphemism in English and Buginese: Pragmatic
Stylistics Contexts. ELS Journal on Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities, 1 (4), 429-440

1. Introduction
Language has an interpersonal nature in which language serves as a speaker’s
attitude and as an influence on attitudes and behavior of the speakers. Language has
expressive and informative function (Leech, 1982: 205). Moreover, language also has a
physiological function, which is aimed to keep the lines of communication still open and to
maintain good social relationships. When a person communicates, speaks or writes a
sentence in one particular language, they also maintain a social relationship. As the result,
they will consider the norms that prevail in the socio-cultural environment in which they
speak. It is implemented in order to establish a harmonious relationship and an effective
communication.
The harmonious relationship in society including the language life will be realized by
taking in to the cultural custom. One way to express something bad and ugly to be good or
in other word something crude to be smooth are defines as euphemism. According to
Keraf (2007: 132) euphemism is an expression that does not offend people, soft, and it is
used to replace insulting words, offensive or suggestive something unpleasant.
1
Hasanuddin University

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Euphemism in English is necessary to smooth the verbal abuse, the name of body
parts, mental and physical abilities, appearance, age, social and financial status, etc. In
this case, English and Americans are more attentive than Indonesian.
Not only in English, but Buginese also practices euphemism. Buginese is well known
as a smooth language. The using of euphemism in Buginese is indispensable as a part of
politeness term. Broadly, the reasons for using euphemism in Buginese are: to avoid from
declaring something frightening and unpleasant, to disguise something sensitive, to
discuss taboo things, to express respect to the listeners, and to bring close with listeners.
Based on the field, the used of euphemism in Buginese is in the matter relating to
physical defect, disaster and death. In addition, euphemism is also used to refer to
community members deviating action, disgusting things, and showed the modesty
behavior. The used of euphemism in Buginese indicates the greatness of Buginese
community. The Buginese people used euphemism as a form of respect for the speaking
partner or object of conversation.
2. Literature Review
2.1 Understanding of Euphemism
Harper (2013) provides an etymological explanation of the word 'euphemism' derived
from Greek, composed of the word 'eu' which means good, and 'pheme' which means to
talk. So etymologically means speaking using good words. It is reinforced by the opinion of
Leech (1982: 45) which suggests that euphemism is the use of more terms polite for a
disrespectful term.
Another opinion is given by Wijana (2008: 96) that euphemism is the using of words
or other forms to avoid any form of prohibition or taboo form in the language. In line with
this opinion, Kridalaksana (2008: 59) also states that euphemism is the use of words or
other forms to avoid the form of ban or taboo.
Meanwhile, Allan and Burridge (1991: 11) argues that euphemism is the use of the
term to replace a lacking expression to avoid the possibility of losing face, whether the
interlocutor or third parties. Another opinion of Allan and Burridge (2016: 32) euphemism
are words or phrases used as an alternative to a dispreferred expression. They avoid
possible loss of face by the speaker, and also the hearer or some third party. In many
ways euphemism has existed throughout recorded history. To an undesirable expression
which in order to avoid the possible loss of face, euphemisms can be used as another
way.
The words and expressions of euphemism allow us to talk about unpleasant things
and eliminate discomforts, such as death and dying, unemployment, and crime. They also
allow us to label unpleasant things and act so that what is being talked about becomes
more attractive. Euphemism is something that very important in the community.
Glorification of public places and elevating trivial matters, automatically, we change the
name and replace it to make the words sound better, it is the re-naming of reality to fit the
rules or norm that are pitched in society (Wardhaugh, 2006: 231).
From these opinions, it can be underlined that euphemism is a word, phrase, or other
form that has a polite sense of value, far from the taboos and less deserving things to
avoid from shame or losing face. Euphemism always avoids fear or forbidden things that

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have negative connotations. In addition, euphemism is a word that contains the form of
politeness that applies in the community.
2.2 Types of Euphemism
The forms of euphemism are very diverse. Some researchers disclose their findings
on the kinds of euphemism from their researches. They argue that the forms of
euphemism can be words, phrases, clauses, sentences, idioms, abbreviations, numbers,
repetitions, and foreign terms (Lilimiwirdi, 2011). Furthermore, Laili (2012) finds a kind of
euphemism are words, phrases, clauses and sentences as follows:
a) Euphemisms in the form of words
Euphemisms in the form of words are divided into three categories namely the base
words, the derivatives words, and the compound words. The word itself is also divided into
three categories; they are noun, verbs and adjectives. The euphemism in the form of
derivative words is also divided into three categories namely objects, verbs and adjectives.
While euphemism is a compound word that stand alone.
b) Euphemisms in the form of phrases
Euphemisms in the form of phrases are divided into three categories: noun phrases,
adjective phrases and verb phrases. The noun phrase consists of the core elements and a
modifying element in which the core element is a noun word with modifier may be an
adjective, noun or otherwise either original or derivative. An example is 'sidoarjo mud'
where noun “mud” is an element core that modified or clarified by adjective 'sidoarjo'. As
well with adjective and verb phrases, each phrase consists of two elements, they are core
and modifier. The core element of the adjective phrase is the adjective and the core
element the verb phrase is a verb.
c) Euphemism in the form of clause
Euphemism in the form of clause can occupy positions as core clauses or
subordinate clauses. Example: 1) The effect of this lead to the child according to Prasetyo,
et al. (2014), environmental expert from New York University, can decrease children's
intelligence and mental disability, and. 2) Letting the lemurs extracted from the natural
mullet is equal to drive to the death gate. The letters in italics are a form of euphemism in
the form of clauses. The first example is showing the shape euphemism clause form that
occupies the core clause. While the second examples a form of euphemism that occupies
a subordinate clause.
d) Euphemism in the form of sentences
Euphemism in the form of sentence occurs where in one intact sentence contains the
phrase of euphemism, for example 'As a result, the climate is like a distant tub roast of fire
'. The expression of the example is a form of euphemism which means 'unsuitable climate
conditions expected'. Use this euphemism aims to hide the facts.
2.3 Form of Euphemism
The formation of euphemism can be done in a variety of ways. Therefore, some
experts put forward their opinion on the formation of the euphemism. The first opinion will
be presented here is the opinion or theory of Sebkova (2012: 8) which suggests that there
are at least three ways to form euphemism that are: a) Borrowing words or terms from
other languages for example in English, Latin and French terms are often used for
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example: “halitosis” referring to “bad breath”, then the French term au naturel for “naked”
and so on., and b) Semantic changes, in this category include: a) circumlocution, for
example “little girl's room” replaces “toilets”, b) widening (expansion), for example “do it” to
have sex “intercourse”, c) metaphorical transfer, for example the “cavalry's come” is a
euphemism of “menstruation”.
The next opinion came from Warren (1992: 130-133) that divides the four
mechanisms and methods of euphemism formation, including:
a) Word formation devices.
Warren divided five ways to form euphemisms using this mechanism. Examples: 1)
Compounding: “hand job” [masturbation], the combining of two individually innocuous
words forms a euphemism for an otherwise unacceptable term, 2) Derivation: “fellatio”
[oral sex], the modification of a Latin term (“fellare”, to suck) to form a printable modern
English word (Rawson, 1981), 3) Blends: Warren gives no examples of what she means
by this term, or of how a blend is formed, 4) Acronyms: SNAFU ['Situation Normal All
Fucked Up'], a military euphemism for a possibly catastrophic event, and 5)
Onomatopoeia: “bonk” [sexual intercourse], it’s the sound of “things” hitting together during
the sexual act is employed to refer to the act itself.
b) Phonemic modification.
The form of the offensive word is modified or changed, "(Warren, 1992: 133), for
example: 1) Back slang:”enob” [bone/erect penis], Rawson (1981:88) and “epar” [rape]
(Warren, 1992:133). The words are reversed to avoid explicit mention, 2) Rhyming slang:
“Bristols” [breasts], a shortened, and further euphemized version of “Bristolcities” [titties]
which becomes a "semi-concealing device," 3) Phonemic substitute: "shoot" [shit], which
Rawson (1981: 254), term as one of the euphemism form i.e. the replacement of one voice
of offensive term, and 4) The abbreviation: 'eff' (as in "eff off!") [fuck (off)].
c) Loan Words.
Some loan words that most, but not all, of the forbidden words seem derived from
Saxon, while the form of euphemism to convey the same meaning is Latin-French. The
following examples include: 1) In French "mot" [cunt] (Allan and Burridge 1991: 95),
"infidelity (e)" [implies extramarital engagement] and "lingerie" [underwear], 2) Latin:
"faeces" [excrement] and "anus" [ass-hole]. Latin is favored because uneducated young
people sometimes cannot interpret its meaning (Allan and Burridge, ibid: 19), and 3) In
other languages, for example the Spanish "cojones" [testis] and "schmuck" [penises] in
Yiddish which can literally mean 'pendant'.
d. Semantic innovation.
In this case, “senses established by word or word combination" (Warren, 1992:133).
Examples of the seven semantic innovation categories shared by Warren are: 1)
Particularisation: a term commonly used, for 'particular' in a reasonable context, such as
‘satisfy’ for [orgasm] and 'innocence' for [virgins], both of which require conclusions based
on the context by the reader / hearer to be understood, 2) Implication: In this case, several
steps are required to reach the intended meaning, e.g. 'loose', which means 'unattached',
which can leads to the interpretation of the meaning [sexually easy/ available]. Warren,
however, warns the possibility of misinterpretation in this type of euphemism, although this
seems to be possible in some examples of 'semantic innovation', 3) Metaphor: the

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examples of metaphor is a multitude of “red’ color that refers to menstruation, centering

around 'red', e.g. "cavalry has come" which has a reference meaning to the British cavalry
red coats, "it is red letter day" and "flying the red flag ". (Allan and Burridge, 1991: 82).
Some of metaphorical euphemisms such as "globes", "brown eyes" and "melons" refers to
[breasts] (Rawson, 1981: 38), and "riding" [sex], which is common in some languages,
including English, Greek and Middle Dutch, 4) Metonym, it can be said to be 'general-for-
specific', this category includes the word "It" [sex] and "things" that fit the context of [male
sexual / female organs, etc.] in general, 5) Reversal or called 'irony' includes the word
'blessed' [damned] and ''enviable disease" [syphilis], both of which can be a reference to
something' bad 'by using the opposite, 6) Understatement or litotes. The words include
"sleeping" [dead], "act" [murder / rape] and "not too bright" [thick / stupid], and 7)
Overstatement or hyperbola. Examples are "fight to glory" [death] and some are included
in Rawson's rule (1981: 11) the longer the title, the lower the rank. "For example, "visual
engineer” [window cleaner] and "Personal Assistant" [Secretary], "Special Activity" [cook].
These categories are said to be formers of euphemism, but which would be regarded as
Warren's models are only four main categories formation of euphemisms above.
2.4 Function of Euphemism
Wijana and Rohmadi (2008:104-109) explains that there are 5 kinds of
functions/benefits of euphemism as follows:
a) Euphemism as a tool to smoothing speech.
This function is the most common function of euphemism. Words used that have bad,
vulgar, unpleasant, terrible, low-connotation meaning and soon must be expressed in
indirect ways to avoid social barriers and conflicts. Example: maid replaced with prambers,
deviated smoothed by cheating and others. By using speeches that are polite and refined
to speakers can maintain self-image and can foster harmonious relationships with the
other person.
b) Euphemism as a tool to keep something secret in medicine.
The euphemism can be used to keep something secret, such as a disease that will
caused something worries for the patient or the listener. Probably also because the
diseases must be kept secret from others who are not entitled because it is very serious.
Examples: cancer and syphilis, doctors often keep secret by mentioning just CA and GO
abbreviations.
c) Euphemism as a tool for diplomacy.
Officials often pack their words in forms of euphemism in order to provide satisfactory
answers so that things do not happen unwanted. Example: the expression of price
increase in a press conference is often called a price adjustment, in often stating the
proposal is accommodated or considered when the proposal is rejected, the police often
said to be safeguarded, lodged, questioned to replace detention, arrested.
d) Euphemism as an Educational Tool.
In this case children are taught to use smoothed language by avoiding direct mention
of words that have less polite value. The avoidance brings up typical words to 27 small
children who are euphemistic words. Example: defecate into e'ek, urinate into pee, bathe
into packpung. Then the names of animals also avoided the direct mention of replaced

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with onomatopoea as dogs were replaced by guguk, cats replaced pus, and goats
replaced mbek.
e) Euphemism as a Tool to Resist the Dangers.
The use of a number of euphemisms is one of human effort to obtain peace, safety
and prosperity. In the use of Malay, the word tiger and snake are replaced with
grandmother and roots by people walking in the forest to obtain safety. In fact, in Java, rats
are replaced with Den Bagus, while in Bali it is replaced with Jero Ketut, so they are not
disturbed by these animals. In the same case Laili (2012) found the functions of
euphemisms at least 13 kinds, namely: hiding facts, showing respect, avoiding taboos,
insinuating, showing concern, giving advice, exaggerating, showing evidence, information,
avoid words that cause panic, disgust or trauma, accuse or blame, criticize, and warn.
While according to some linguists that resumed by Nordquist (2018) in his article,
euphemism has other functions, they are:
a) Euphemism as Comfort Words
Euphemism can be said to be a fight to comfort or a way to reduce tension in
speaking. Those are words of comfort. The euphemism discourse soften the crude words,
smooth the rough, and makes what sounds negative to be positive. Euphemism adds to
the nuances and ambiguities of conversations that are often understood. Euphemism can
also be a tool for discussing the touching subjects without having to explain more to what
we are talking about.
b) Euphemism as Dangerous Disguises
There are some words that are well intentioned and sometimes helpful when
replaced with euphemism, but euphemism is also dangerous. They can accompany us not
to see. They can be disguises where bad truth is dimmed into our eyes. As in America,
there are many poor people and most of their voices are silenced.
c) Euphemism as Shields
Speaking euphemistically is to speak in a language like a shield that fights fear,
dislikes, and unpleasant. Euphemism is motivated by a desire not to attack, so it has more
polite connotations; in the euphemism, at least it seeks to avoid too many negative
connotations. In addition, euphemism is used to enhance denotatum (as a shield against
scorn) and is used to conceal the unpleasant aspect of the denotatum (as a shield against
anger) and they are used to accentuate identity within a group (as a shield against group
intrusions).
d) Euphemisms as Secret Agents
Euphemism is a form unlike many young people thinks that is useless, rambling, and
must be said frankly. Like them, they are such a secret agent in a complex mission, they
have to be easily passed by chaos and make a point of constructive criticism and continue
with calm patience. In other words, euphemism is an unpleasant truth that is diplomatic".
e) Euphemism as Spin
In practice, euphemism is often compared to the coating of sugar in contemporary
language. In the same way, euphemism can also be used to neutralize politics or
negativity in order to confuse, to hide meaning, or to deceive directly. Euphemism is often

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regarded as a spin, and is often used by politicians, bureaucrats, and advertisers to pack
interesting ideas, policies and products through dishonest or manipulative means.
2.5 Buginese at a Glance
Buginese is one of the ethnic groups in Southeast Asia which is the part of the
Austronesian family with four million populations located on the southern peninsula of
South Sulawesi island. (Pelras, 2006:1). Buginese’s main characters are language and
culture (Darmapoetra, 2014:6). Buginese language becomes a communication tools for all
cultural activities. Those languages used to spreading religion, trading, farming and
literature (Mattulada, 2015).
South Sulawesi and West Sulawesi that occupied by four main ethnics, they are
Buginese, Makassarese, Mandarese, and Torajarese have their own regional languages
as a forefathers that become concrete characteristic for their identity that differ them to
other ethnics (Darmawati and Gustini, 2011).
Buginese language is one of the four major language groups in South Sulawesi. The
three of western of Austronesian languages are Mandar, Toraja and Makassarese.
Buginese speaker are dominated in South Sulawesi, like in Bone, Soppeng, Wajo, Sidrap,
Pinrang, Barru, Sinjai, and Pare-pare. While in the other area like Bulukumba, Pangkep,
and Maros theytend to speak both of Buginese and Makassar (Rahmiati, 2015:26)
Buginese language used in each region has a relative small differentiation, known as
dialect (Pelras, 2006:4). And then he adds that although there are some differences in
dialects and expression, most Buginese speakers can understand each other. The
Buginese people still think that they are different from the buginese in another former state
before (Bone, Wajo, Soppeng, Sidrap) or a small group of state (around Parepare and
Suppa 'on the west coast and around Sinjai in the South).Language in these areas has
been recognized by linguists as a dialect although there is still a relatively small difference
with each other. (Grimes and Grimes in Rahmiati (2015:27) lists ten dialect of Bugis :Luwu,
Wajo, Palakka (Bone), Enna (Sinjai), Soppeng, Sidenreng, Pare-pare, Sawitto (Pinrang),
Tallumpanua (Campalagian) and ugi’ riawa (Pasangkayu).
Darmapoetra (2004:vi) states that Buginese avoid using taboo words such as
“balesu”, “buaja”, “gunturu”, etc. They keep away from using these words because of to
avoid unwilling thing that may happen.Buginese are one of the most complex ethnic
groups and appear highly hierarchical in any archipelago, with different strata and
composed of several degrees of mobility. This hierarchical system can be traced by
looking at social status, referred to as “onrong”, “onro” and “a’battireng” which means
“place” or “derajat” and “status” which both means ‘social status’.
There are four important statuses in Buginese. The first important status is the nobles
known as bangsawan or to-arung, who have ancestors of the arung ‘the king’ in the past
times and could preface their chosen names with honorific, (Rahmiati, 2015).
The second important status is religious status, influenced greatly by the strong
adherence of the Buginese people to Islamic teaching and acquired such represent the
performance of the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
The third social status is educational status by going to universities to attain degrees,
and therefore given the title to-acca ‘clever people’ after graduating from universities,

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people then get the chance to seek good and permanent jobs. This creates occupation
status for Buginese people.
Buginese known as an ethnic that have a hard character and very respectability,
sometimes to maintain their honor, they dispose to do violence, but behind their hard
character, Buginese also known as a friendly, respectful and faithful ethnic (Pelras,
2006:5).
3. Research Method
The kind of research method that used in wrote this research is descriptive
qualitative. Qualitative research is a method that uses literature at the start of a research
plan to deliver an inductive design unless the type of qualitative withdrawal requires
substantial literature (Creswell, 1994: 24)
Qualitative research can show the research on the life of society, history, behavior,
social movement, or kinship. In one hand, qualitative research is research that uses
strategies to get data or information, actions and events associated with human life. This
research is used to draw actual facts clearly. The essence of the qualitative research is to
observe people in their environment and interact with them (Rahmiati, 2015: 50).
4. Discussion
4.1 Form of Euphemism
Allan and Burridge (1991: 14) define sixteen ways in the formation of euphemism,
they are: (1) Figurative expressions. This type is symbolism, simile or figurative. In this
type of euphemism, it uses figure of speech such as simile, irony, personification, and etc.
Example: “go to the happy hunting ground” to reveal “die”. (2) Flippancy. Flippancy has a
meaning beyond the existing statement. The example is “kick the bucket” euphemism for
“die”.(3) Remodeling. Remodeling is re-modeled the already-expressed phrase, re-
modeling can occur at the level of words, phrases, and others. Example: “shoot, sheet” is
re-modeling from “shit.” (4). Circumlocutions. Circumlocution is the use of some longer and
indirect word. Example: “categorical inaccuracy” refers to 'lie'. (5) Clipping. Clipping is
cutting, making short or simple. Example: “bra” clipping from “brassiere”. (6) Acronym. An
acronym is a type of euphemism that combines several words into one word. Example:
“SNAFU” which is an acronym of the “Situation Normal, All Fucked Up” indicates the
possibility of a disaster event. (7) Abbreviation. Abbreviation is the type of euphemism that
stands for words to be some letters. Example: “Bowel Movement” to “B.M” which means to
defecate. (8) Omission. Omission is to perform disappearance in some phrase, which is
aims to soften and the hearer already understand from the intent of the phrase. Example:
“F” instead of writing or saying “Fuck”. (9) One for One Substitution. One for one
substitution is one word that has a similarity of meaning, but more subtle can replacing one
more coarse word. Example: “bottom” replaces “butt”. (10) General for specific. A common
word becomes a special word. Example: “Nether region” which became the euphemism of
“genitals”. (11) Part for whole euphemism. A special word becomes a common word.
Example: “spend a penny” for “go to bathroom” (usually used if someone go to the
bathroom and pay a penny or cent). The formation of this type is very rarely. (12)
Hyperbole. Hyperbole is an exaggerated phrase. For example: “flight to glory” which
means “death”. (13) Understatement. Contrast with hyperbole, Understatement is a phrase
down or disparage. Example: “sleep” which can be a euphemism from “died”. (14) Jargon.
This type uses words that have the same meaning but different forms, technical terms or
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terminology in a particular field. Example: “feaces” which is a term in medicine or health to

replace the word “shit”. (15) Colloquial. This type uses a daily phrase for refine and make
polite. Example: word “period” used for replaces “menstruate”. (16) Loan words. Loan
word is borrowing from a foreign language to reveal something in order impressed smooth.
Example: use of “defecate” word which is a loan from Latin to replace “shit”.
4.2 Form of Euphemism in English and Buginese
After investigating and categorizing the data, it is found the form of Euphemism in
English and Buginese as in the following Table:
Table 1 Form of Euphemism in English and Buginese
No Forms of Euphemism English Buginese
1. Figurative Expressions Go to the happy Rewe ri pammasena
hunting grown (Die)
(Die)
2. Flippancy Powder your nose Polo potolona
(Used the restroom) (Uneducated Man)
3. Remodeling Shoot/sheet Sindo’na
(Shit) (Lessina indo na)
4. Circumlocutions Categorical Lao rikampongna
inaccuracy tauwe
(Die) (Sompe)
5. Clipping Bra Koti
(Brassiere) (Kebbong timu)
6. Acronym SNAFU
(Situation Normal All -
Fuck up)
7. Abbreviation B.O -
(Body Odor)
8. Omission F Cco
(Fuck) (Tailaso)
9. One for One Substitution Bottom Wija
(Arse) (Ana’)
10. General for Specific Nether region Anu tenrita
(Genital) (All Kind of Ghost)
11. Part for Whole Go to Dutch Mabbulu
(Pay by yourself) (Going to the garden)
12. Hyperbole Eat like a horse Mattimu makunrai
(Starving) (Coquettish)
13. Understatement Sleep Silureng
(Died) (Makkenru)
14. Jargon Feaces Mabangko
(Shit) (Slender)
15. Colloquial Period Wae pella
(Menstruation) (Tea)
16. Loan Words Lingerie Miring
(Women Underware) (Crazy)

17. Reduplication - Attau-taungeng

(Decedent/body)
18. Repetition - Makelu-kelu
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(Sick)
19. Irony - Pede mapute
tongenna tuh
mappella kesso tutu
(sunbathing will make
our skin black)
20. Metaphor - Mapute coppeng
(Black)
From the table above we can see that not every form of euphemism in English are
covered in Buginese. Several forms for example acronym and abbreviation do not exist
because that forms do not used in Buginese. Whereas there are four forms that the
researcher found in Buginese that do not exist in English, they are reduplication, repetition,
irony and metaphor.
4.3 Function of Euphemism in English and Buginese
Euphemism used broadly in society, almost every person used euphemism in their
utterances. Euphemism expressions are needed in communication, it is necessary to pay
attention to such expression because at the present time euphemism becomes a new
vocabulary used in society.
Euphemism becomes an important part in communication because euphemism has a
special function to create harmony in social life. According to Allan and Burridge (1991: 11)
the common functions of euphemism are: 1) 1) Avoiding taboos (body parts, special body
parts, sex, menstruation, illness, mental disability, something discharged or excreted and
death), 2) Avoiding objects that are considered frightening, such as about war,
sickness, supernatural things, including God, things related to death, and also something
about animals, and 3) As sense of respect to the words which is uncomfortable for
speaking, especially for matters relating to religion, politics, God, physical, illness,
physical, mental or criminal action.
Table 2. Function of Euphemism in English and Buginese
Function Of Euphemism English Buginese
Body Parts Bottom Memek
(Arse) Vagina
Sex The Birds and the Makkalaibineng
Bees (Having a Sex)
(Sex)
Menstruation Cavalry’s Come Marota
Avoiding Taboo (Menstruation) (Menstruation)
Illness Enviable Disease Malasa Uli
(Syphilis) (Lepra)
Mental Mentally Ill Malasa-lasa
Disabilities (Crazy) (Crazy)
Physic Visual Disorder De’ nakkita
Disabilities (Blind) (Blind)
Excreted Defecate Jambang
(Shit) (Shit)
Death Kick the Bucket Rewe ri Pammasena
(Die) (Die)
War SNAFU Ronta’
Avoiding (Situational (War)
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Frightening Normal All Fuck

Up)
Supernatural Spirit Pallipa Pute
(Ghost) (Evil Spirit)
God Gosh Dewata
(God) (God)
Animal Gukguk Punna Uwae
(Dog) (Crocodile)
Criminal The Black Mist Palao Wenni
As A Sense of (Corruption) (Robber)
Respect Religion Muslim Pabbaca
(Islam) (Imam)
Honor - Madduta
(Proposed for
Married)
Politics Undocumented Juana
(Illegal) (Slave)
Soften the - Mabbura
Meaning (Eat)
Minimize The - Makelu-kelu
Effect of the (Sick)
Meaning
Hide the Fact - Pede mapute
tongenna tuh
mappella kesso tuttu
(Sunbathing Will
Make Our Skin
Become Black)
5. Conclusion
Allan and Burridge (1991: 14) define 16 ways in the formation of euphemism while in
Buginese there are 18 forms of euphemism. It shown that Buginese are more complex
than English. There are four forms in Buginese that does not covered in English, they are
reduplication, repetition, irony and metaphor.
Reduplication used to avoid social barriers, its mean that the hearers will accept,
receive and don’t fell offended from the words even tough that words contains bad, vulgar,
unpleasant, and low connotation meaning. Repetition used to minimize the effect of the
words in same line to save the hearer feeling from shock and afraid, for example the word
“makelu” means sick, for the hearer it will be hear as a serious illness but if we used the
word “makelu-kelu” it will be meat as a not serious illness. Makelu-kelu could be meant
only got fever and it will make the hearer more relax to respond. Irony used to hide the
fact for example the word “beautiful” to mean “ugly”, “young” to mean “mature”, “strong” to
mean “weak” and so on. Metaphor is used to smooth the meaning by imagine the referent
so the hearer will not directly shock with the real fact that speaker mention.
According to Allan and Burridge (1991: 11) the common functions of euphemism are:
avoiding taboo, avoiding frightening and as a sense of respect, while function of
euphemism in Buginese are: avoiding taboo, avoiding frightening, as a sense of respect,
soften the meaning, minimize the effect of the meaning and hide the fact.
References :
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