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

Term Paper , 2022 , 18 Pages , Grade: 1,7

English Language and Literature Studies - Linguistics

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.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Theoretical Background
  • X-phemism
  • Functions of Euphemism
    • The protective euphemism
    • The underhand euphemism
    • The uplifting euphemism
    • The provocative euphemism
    • The cohesive euphemism
    • The ludic euphemism
  • South Park
    • Important characters
• The Use of Euphemisms in South Park
  • Methodology
  • Intimate Body Parts
  • Obesity
• Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This paper explores the use of euphemisms in conversations with children, specifically focusing on the topics of intimate body parts and obesity, as these are topics that are often avoided in direct conversation with children. The paper utilizes the animated sitcom South Park as a framework for analysis, examining the use of euphemisms in the show's dialogue. The paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the concept of euphemisms, including their different functions and how they are used in various contexts. Furthermore, the paper aims to analyze the impact of euphemisms on children's understanding and perception of these sensitive topics.

• The use of euphemisms in conversations with children
• The analysis of euphemisms in the animated sitcom South Park
• The impact of euphemisms on children's understanding of sensitive topics
• The different functions of euphemisms in communication
• The relationship between euphemisms and social norms

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The paper begins with an introduction that presents the concept of euphemisms and dysphemisms, using examples of how these terms are used to describe death. The introduction then introduces South Park as a show known for its use of both euphemisms and dysphemisms, highlighting the show's humorous and often satirical commentary on social and political issues.

The theoretical background section delves deeper into the concept of x-phemisms, which encompasses both euphemisms and dysphemisms. The paper then explores the different functions of euphemisms as outlined by Kate Burridge, including the protective, underhand, uplifting, provocative, and cohesive functions.

The paper then examines the use of euphemisms in South Park, focusing on the specific topics of intimate body parts and obesity. This section analyzes examples from the show, illustrating how euphemisms are used in conversations between adults and children. The paper also explores the potential impact of these euphemisms on children's understanding and perception of these sensitive topics.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This paper focuses on the concept of euphemisms, their different functions, and their use in conversations with children. The paper analyzes the use of euphemisms in the animated sitcom South Park, focusing on the topics of intimate body parts and obesity. Key terms and concepts include euphemisms, dysphemisms, x-phemisms, protective euphemisms, underhand euphemisms, uplifting euphemisms, provocative euphemisms, cohesive euphemisms, South Park, and the impact of euphemisms on children's understanding of sensitive topics.

• College: University of Trier
• Course: Watching TV with a Linguist
• Grade: 1,7
• Author: Anonym (Author)
• Publication Year: 2022
• Pages: 18
• Catalog Number: V1301400
• ISBN (PDF): 9783346770486
• ISBN (Book): 9783346770493
• Language: English
• Tags: euphemisms, conversations, children, effect, illustrated, tv-show, south, park