Question

Under what circumstances could the use of euphemisms be considered unethical communication?

Answer 1

Euphemisms refer to the ways of communication by using obscure or indirect words, and double-speaking words to express the anger, harshness, blunt voice of a person. The use of euphemisms is generally avoided in formal communication as it may lead the conversation conflicts among the parties.

Unethical communication refers to the way of expressing the message that can undermine the relationship or putting ourselves on a higher level than the opposite party while communicating.

The use of euphemisms could be considered unethical communication when the communication is related to a formal relation between both the parties such:

• When writing academic content.
• When making reports of any incident.
• When making business deals.
• While writing letters or applications to the higher authorities, and so on.

The use of euphemisms will be unethical in these cases because such type of phrases is generally offensive, it enhances interrogation, and leads to immoral conversation.