Circumlocution


Circumlocution is a phrase that circles around a specific idea with multiple words rather than directly evoking it with fewer and words. It is sometimes necessary in communication, but it can also be undesirable. Roundabout speech is the use of many words to describe something that already has a common and concise term. Most dictionaries use circumlocution to define words. Circumlocution is often used by people with aphasia and people learning a new language, where simple terms can be paraphrased to aid learning or communication. Euphemism, innuendo and equivocation are different forms of circumlocution.

Euphemism

Euphemistic language often uses circumlocution to avoid saying words that are taboo or considered offensive. For example, "Holy mother of Jesus!" is a circumlocution of "Mary!", but "heck", while still euphemistic, is not a circumlocution of "hell".
Euphemistic circumlocution is also used to avoid saying "unlucky words"—words which are taboo for reasons connected with superstition: for example, calling the devil "Old Nick", calling Macbeth "the Scottish Play" or saying "baker's dozen" instead of thirteen.

Innuendo

Innuendo refers to something suggested but not explicitly stated.

Equivocation

Equivocation is the use of ambiguous language to avoid telling the truth or forming commitments.