List of English-language euphemisms for death

This is a list of notable euphemisms for death and dying in the English language.

A euphemism is a common word or phrase intended to soften the harshness of a literal meaning. For example, an American-English speaker would understand the phrase "kick the bucket" to mean "to die," as well as to actually kick a bucket. Furthermore, they would understand when each meaning is being used in context. A euphemism is not to be confused with other figures of speech such as a metaphor, which invokes an image by use of implicit comparisons (e.g., "the man of steel" ); a simile, which invokes an image by use of explicit comparisons (e.g., "faster than a speeding bullet"); and hyperbole, which exaggerates an image beyond truthfulness (e.g., like "missed by a mile" ). Euphemisms are also not to be confused with proverbs, which are simple sayings that express a truth based on common sense or practical experience.

This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by expanding it with reliably sourced entries.

For a more complete list see Wiktionary's Category.

Notable Idioms In English
Euphemism Region Source Notes
"Bite the dust"
"Go west" United Kingdom
"Kick the bucket"
"Pass away"
"Pop one's clogs" United Kingdom
"Pushing up daisies"
"Sleep with the fishes"
"Trip the light fantastic"
"Croak"
"Six Feet Under"

See also

References

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