The Use of Euphemisms in Conversations with Children and their Effect. Illustrated by the TV-Show 'South Park'

Seminar paper from the year 2022 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Linguistics, grade: 1,7, University of Trier, course: Watching TV with a Linguist, language: English, abstract: This term paper addresses the semantic phenomenon of euphemisms and analyses their use in conversations with children, focusing on the topics of intimate body parts and obesity, as those are topics rarely addressed directly in conversations with children. South Park serves as the framework for analysis given the utilized language plays, providing illustrative examples of the phenomena and their following effects. Theoretical background sections add an overview of the phenomenon of euphemisms and their functions. This is followed by the methodology of data collection, the analysis of the examples from South Park and a last section concluding when the usage of euphemisms towards children could be beneficial and when they should be avoided in conversation. The animated sitcom 'South Park', a popular show about four elementary school boys and their experiences living in the name giving rural town South Park, is known for its use of both concepts, especially of dysphemisms. Created by Matt Stone and Trey Parker in 1997, the show is fond of using vulgar, direct and offensive language, such as 'Aliens stuck stuff up your ass!', 'I called you an ass-sucker!' (Episode name: 'Sexual Harassment Panda') or 'The Chickenfucker' (Episode name: 'Chickenlover'). Through the use of such language concepts, the show provides humorous moments, as well as statements which, among other, address political or social issues, often by presenting them satirically. Its counterpart euphemisms, like 'festively plump' (Episode name: 'Mr. Hankey, the Christmas Poo') for obesity or 'sweet loving' (Episode name: 'Weight Gain 4000') for sex, are, overall, used less frequently in the show, which makes them stand out. They are more prominent and have greater impact. Especially in conversations between adults and children, euphemisms are used regularly.