Euphemisms: Navigating Meaning Constrictions and Expansions

Numonova Zebinso Usmonjon Qizi, Zokirova Dildoraxon Muydinovna,

Haydarova Nigoraxon Tuxtasunovna, Djumaboyeva Mohiraxon Anvardjanovna,

Hamidov Nodirbek Zakirovich and Anvarbekova Oydinoy Zafarbek Qizi

Andijan State Foreign Languages Institute, Andijan, Uzbekistan

Keywords: Language, Euphemism, Vocabulary, Concept, Meaning

Abstract: This article explores the study of euphemisms within the field of world linguistics, delving into its conceptual

level and examining the lexical-semantic characteristics of euphemistic language. It analyses the concept of

meaning in verbalizers of euphemisms, particularly in English and Uzbek languages, investigating various

types of meanings and the phenomena of narrowing and widening of meaning. Within linguistics, the

phenomena of narrowing and widening of meaning have been extensively researched, primarily within the

realm of lexicology, yet they impact all levels of language. Meaning is a fundamental aspect of language,

studied across disciplines such as linguistics, philosophy, psychology, and literary studies, each offering

diverse perspectives on its nature and exploration. As meaning persists alongside linguistic forms within

dialectical laws, it remains a subject of enduring interest and investigation.

1 INTRODUCTION

Euphemisms are one of the most common phenomena

in the process of language use in the history of

mankind. The word euphemism comes from the

Greek words eu- "good" and phemi- "speaking" and

is a word used in spoken or written speech that is

emotive because of its neutral "function" and is used

instead of rude or "indecent" words (

Arnold 2012).

Linguistic analysis of a certain concept and language

units representing it remains one of the most urgent

tasks. Searching for the method and methodology of

the researched euphemism and language units

representing it on the example of languages of

different systems, in this regard, the fact that its

research in languages of different systems has not

been sufficiently carried out shows the relevance of

the topic. Also, there are very few euphemisms in

different structured languages studied; euphemism as

a concept has not been researched, there are no clear

ideas about the field of linguistics, what level of

language euphemism belongs to, and the object of the

image. Probably because euphemism is considered a

lexical unit, it took place in the department of

lexicology. The study of taboos and euphemisms in

language is important not only for linguistics but also

for language history and ethnography

Holder 2012).

Taboos and euphemisms in the language indicate

something respectful in speech or on the contrary, a

negative concept arises based on the prohibition of

words denoting the event. The concept of a natural

connection between an object and its name,

characteristic of the first periods of cultural

development, the word magic and taboo, that is, the

names of certain objects and events (names of God,

spirit, devil, death, disease, certain animals, names of

human body parts) causes prohibition. The wealth of

taboos and euphemisms is not only in their wide

quantitative content but also in the breadth of its

semantics and The goal of the taboo is to eliminate

the word, not the concept, which is necessary for

society. In this way, the taboo mechanism is

determined by replacing a word with another word or

changing its name. A word or phrase that replaces a

taboo word is a euphemism. Thus, as one of the

channels that influence the language of society, taboo

causes important changes in the language: the

disappearance of words, the development of

synonymy, the change of words. The use of taboos

and euphemisms in speech, their language-specific

features are relevant not only for English and Uzbek

linguistics but also for its history and modern

ethnolinguistics.

772

Qizi, N., Muydinovna, Z., Tuxtasunovna, H., Anvardjanovna, D., Zakirovich, H. and Qizi, A.

Euphemisms: Navigating Meaning Constrictions and Expansions.

DOI: 10.5220/0012916600003882

Paper published under CC license (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

In Proceedings of the 2nd Pamir Transboundary Conference for Sustainable Societies (PAMIR-2 2023), pages 772-775

ISBN: 978-989-758-723-8

Oral communication processes, which are the

most important type of human activity that is subject

to certain rules and regulated by a number of factors.

One of the most important factors is the requirement

that any statement must have a reasonable meaning.

Therefore, the word as a universal linguistic sign, all

theories of meaning intended to explain the meaning

of any statement addressed to the speaker in a given

situation and to reveal the essence of communication

and the elements necessary for its implementation

which focuses on the analysis of meaning. In the

linguistic aspect, taboos and euphemisms have been

studied since the end of the 19th century.

A. Maye studies the linguistic features of taboos

and euphemisms on the example of ancient languages

and defines this process as a change in word

semantics. Taboos and euphemisms were widely

studied in the 1960s and 1980s by S. Widlak, Dj.

Keeney, Dj. Lawrence, E. Partridge, A. Richard

Spears, J. S. Neaman, C. Silver, D. Oakes, K. Allan

and others. has started. The lexical materials up to this

period were organized and reflected in special

dictionaries. In English lexicography, euphemisms

are included in explanatory dictionaries. Although

there are inconsistencies in the theory of taboos and

euphemisms, its general features and characteristics

are defined. Taboos and euphemisms have been

studied by many Turkic peoples, especially Kazakh,

Turkmen, Altai, Azerbaijani, and Uzbek linguists.

Among them, we can cite the monographs of linguists

such as S.Altayev, N.Ismatullayev, N.M.Jabbarov. Of

these, it is necessary to highlight the candidate's thesis

of the Uzbek linguist N. Ismatullayev. In his research,

the author collected data on taboos and euphemisms,

reacted to them, summarized them, and came to

certain conclusions.

This research is not only for Uzbek linguistics, but

also one of the works that gave a new color to the

problem of euphemism in world linguistics. Many

scientists, while studying the phenomenon of

euphemism in language, cited this research as a basis.

The phenomenon of euphemia A.M. Katsev, N.S.

Boschayeva, L.V. Artyushkina, It was studied by V.

P. Moskvin and other linguists, and its various aspects

were covered from different points of view. For

example, L.V. Artyushkina studied the exchange and

semantic type of euphemism, while N.S. Boschayeva

studied its pragmatic aspect in detail. G. G. Kujim

illuminates euphemism as a meliorating tool of

language, while A. M. Katsev interprets it from a

socio-psychological point of view.

2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The article employed comparative, linguocultural,

and conceptual methods to investigate euphemisms

and the narrowing and widening of such phenomena

in both English and Uzbek languages. These

methodologies allowed for a comprehensive

examination of how linguistic expressions evolve and

adapt within different cultural and linguistic contexts.

By comparing the usage and cultural implications of

euphemisms in both languages, the study aimed to

uncover similarities, differences, and underlying

patterns, shedding light on how speakers employ

language to convey sensitive or taboo topics in

diverse cultural settings.

Through the application of comparative analysis,

the research delved into the nuances of euphemistic

language, exploring how meanings may shift or

become more constrained or expansive over time. By

employing linguocultural and conceptual

frameworks, the study not only examined linguistic

structures but also delved into the cultural and

cognitive dimensions that influence the usage and

interpretation of euphemisms. This multidimensional

approach provided valuable insights into the complex

interplay between language, culture, and cognition,

enhancing our understanding of how euphemisms

function as communicative tools in both English and

Uzbek societies.

3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The concept of "meaning" encompasses various

aspects and is defined differently across human

activities. It generally refers to the role played by an

object in daily life, aesthetics, science, production,

socio-political contexts, and more [8]. Linguists hold

diverse views on defining word meaning, interpreting

it through functional, behavioral, and other lenses.

They often adhere to referential or conceptual

theories, where meaning arises from a word's

association with an object or event as a dual sign. The

former focuses on the referent, while the latter

emphasizes the connection between the word and the

concept, reflecting in the mind of the perceiver.

Lexical meaning, as per linguistic encyclopedias, is a

product of mental activity, intertwined with cognitive

processes like understanding and summarization.

Linguistic and extralinguistic factors influence

lexical meaning, leading to quantitative and

qualitative changes. Extralinguistic factors include

societal, cultural, and technological shifts, while

Euphemisms: Navigating Meaning Constrictions and Expansions

773

linguistic factors entail processes like assimilation

and semantic transfer. Semantic changes occur

through metaphors, denotative shifts

(widening/narrowing of meaning), and connotative

shifts (degradation/elevation). These changes often

involve implicit comparisons or hidden associations.

For instance, "eye" originally referred to a needle's

hole but gained a meaning based on its resemblance

to the human eye.

Associative connections also drive semantic

shifts. For example, "accuse" evolved from meaning

"to hold responsible" to "to declare guilty," reflecting

semantic proximity. Similarly, "copper" shifted from

denoting a metal to referring to coins made from it,

showcasing a semantic shift based on association.

Narrowing of meaning occurs when a word moves

from a general to a specialized field, as seen in the

transition of "admiral" from meaning "amir" to a fleet

commander.

Semantic shifts also involve widening or

generalizing meaning alongside narrowing. This

process often leads to higher levels of abstraction in

the new sense compared to the previous one. For

instance, "junk" shifted from denoting an old rope to

encompassing any garbage or useless items. Similarly,

"bird" expanded from meaning a bird's baby to

encompassing all feathered animals. These semantic

changes reflect the dynamic nature of language and its

adaptation to evolving contexts and perceptions.

The connotative aspect of meaning refers to the

speaker's attitude towards an object or event,

conveyed through words beyond their literal content.

This expressive function of language, mediated by

dictionaries, often sees meanings evolve over time, a

phenomenon known as semantic elevation or

amelioration. For instance, "accumulate" once meant

"pile up" but now carries a more positive connotation

of gathering in quantity or quality. Similarly,

"enthusiasm" shifted from denoting "madness" to

representing a thirst for engaging activities.

The psychological factor heavily influences

linguistic meaning, as people rely on associations

when naming concepts. Metaphor, a potent semantic

tool, spawns secondary meanings, often unrecorded in

dictionaries but prevalent in speech.

Narrowing and widening of meaning, fundamental

linguistic phenomena, reflect the dialectical nature of

language. Meaning encompasses denotative,

significant, pragmatic, stylistic, structural, and

psychological dimensions, shaped by extralinguistic,

linguistic, and psychological factors. Euphemism and

taboo formation, explored by scholars like J. J. Varbot,

often arise through semantic expansion.

Meaning change, driven primarily by linguistic

factors and secondarily by extralinguistic ones,

occurs through phenomena such as metaphor and

metonymy. Extralinguistic influences encompass

psychological, social, prosodic, geographical,

situational, and interpersonal aspects, vital for

understanding meaning shifts pragmatically.

Contemporary linguistics delves into meaningful

fields and idiomatic divisions, both pragmatic bases

for meaning change. Lexical meaning shapes

associative-thematic fields, expanding under various

influences like speech processes, situations, and

geographical contexts.

In summary, the study of meaning, undergoing

constant change influenced by multiple bases, is

crucial across various disciplines like linguistics,

philosophy, and psychology, enriching language with

its multifaceted nature.

Table 1: Inscribed in Ink: Interpreting Symbols of Belief

and Society.

Ro‘molcha

Rashk Matoh Tashvish-quvonch

Taqdir Qaytim Tutkich

Muhabbat San’at asari Arg’amchi

Shubha Parol Gender

Men Ko’z yoshi Jirkanish

Ajralish Xurofot Gigiena

Asos (ashyoviy dalil) Eslatish Piktografiya

Yodgorlik Ramz Qadryat

Tarix Tilak Sen

To’siq (oftobdan) Oqliq Orzu

Hissiyot Artkich Yaxshilik-yomonlik

Hayajon Fojia Dard

Madaniyat Afsona Yoqa

Bezak Kir Hamyon

Yelpig’ich Foks Qalb

Bint She’r Qalin

Sovg’a salfetka Sabr Tovar

Sir Boylik ehtiyoj

Expanding the semantic and pragmatic

associations of the word "handkerchief" is boundless.

Each word within its associative-thematic space

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774

connects to "handkerchief" through linguistic and

extralinguistic meanings, including metaphorical,

metonymic, synonymous, homonymous, or

antonymous connections.

For instance, linking "handkerchief" to "jealousy"

relies on various extralinguistic bases such as the

tragedy "Othello," gender dynamics, customs, social

context, and faith. Linguistically, this connection

manifests through metonymy. While linguistic bases

primarily convey the expression of jealousy,

extralinguistic factors serve as auxiliary means.

Understanding such meanings requires a pragmatic

analysis of language and speech.

In speech, the word "handkerchief" may evoke

presuppositions, shaped by cultural traditions, beliefs,

and the context between speakers and listeners. These

presuppositions, as in the example of visiting Osh

with a handkerchief, can be understood only within a

shared cultural framework.

The evolution of word meanings, exemplified by

the versatility of "get" in Modern Uzbek, stems from

linguistic and non-human factors. Non-literal

meanings often emerge from name transfers,

including simile, metonymy, synecdoche, and

metaphor. Linguistic factors, such as ellipsis or

assimilating meanings from other languages, also

contribute to semantic expansion.

In summary, the meaning of words like

"handkerchief" undergoes pragmatic narrowing and

widening, facilitated by phenomena like implication

and presupposition. Understanding these nuances

requires considering both linguistic and

extralinguistic dimensions, demonstrating the

dynamic nature of language evolution.

The second type of change in lexical meaning

involves the expansion and narrowing of a word's

meaning. For instance, "homeland" once referred to a

house or village, but now means the entire country.

Similarly, "heart" has expanded to include organs

beyond its literal meaning. Conversely, "millet"

originally meant grain generally but now signifies a

specific type. These shifts create polysemy. In Uzbek,

"bakhshi" now encompasses poets and healers,

reflecting expanded usage. The word "tahrir" in

Arabic initially meant "writing a work" but now

encompasses preparing for publishing. Euphemisms

also experience semantic changes. For example,

"grandfather" evolved from meaning "mother's

father" to also include "father's father." In English,

"body" can euphemistically refer to a corpse, showing

semantic expansion. Such shifts illustrate how

language continually evolves, reflecting societal

changes and cultural nuances.

4 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we find that the processes of narrowing

and expanding meaning, derived from the events of

meaning change in both English and Uzbek, manifest

within the verbal expressions of euphemism. These

linguistic tools serve as substitutes for dysphemic

units in communication, facilitating the mitigation of

negative impacts within speech dynamics. Notably,

the phenomenon of narrowing and widening meaning

is evident across both languages, showcasing their

universality in linguistic transitions. This observation

holds true even in translation processes, as

demonstrated through the provided examples.

The presence of these phenomena underscores

their integral role in linguistic evolution and

communication strategies. They not only serve to

soften potentially harsh language but also

demonstrate a nuanced understanding of semantic

shifts. Such insights shed light on the complexity of

language dynamics and the adaptability of expression

across cultures. This recognition further highlights

the intricate interplay between language, culture, and

communication effectiveness, emphasising the need

for nuanced approaches in linguistic analysis and

translation practices.

REFERENCES

Arnold, I. V. (2012). Lexicology of modern English.

Moscow.

Holder, R. W. (2002). How not to say what you mean: A

dictionary of euphemisms (V. N. Yartseva, Ed.) (2nd

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Varbot, Z. Z. (1979). Taboo. In Z. Z. Varbot (Ed.), Russian

language: Encyclopedia (p. 345). Moscow: Soviet

Encyclopedia.

Potebnya, A. A. (1976). Aesthetics and poetics. Moscow.

Uzbek language explanatory dictionary. (2006). Volume 1.

Tashkent: Uzbekistan National Encyclopedia.

Rahmatullaev, Sh. (2000). Etymological dictionary of the

Uzbek language (1st ed.). Tashkent: Tashkent

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