Euphemism

Euphemism is the use of a word (or phrase) that replaces another one that one thinks to be too offensive or vulgar.^[1][2]

It also may be a replacement of a name or a word, that could reveal a secret or holy and sacred names to the uninitiated. It may also be used to obscure the identity of the subject of a conversation from potential eavesdroppers. A well known example for many is the replacement of Lord Voldemort's name by "You-Know-Who" or "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named" in Harry Potter. Some euphemisms are intended to be humorous.

1. ↑ EuphemismWebster's Online Dictionary Archived 2007-10-16 at the Wayback Machine
2. ↑ Miller, Donald F. 1986. The necessity of euphemism. Diogenes. 34: 129-135,