noun
- the use of an unnecessarily refined or pretentious word or expression in place of a simpler, more direct one
Usage: linguistics; often considered affected or pretentious
Examples
- Using ‘perspiration’ instead of ‘sweat’ is a common genteelism.
- Her speech was full of genteelisms that made her sound artificial.
- The word ‘limb’ for ‘leg’ was once considered a genteelism.
- ‘Powder room’ instead of ‘bathroom’ is a typical genteelism.
- Victorian society was known for its many genteelisms.
- He avoided genteelisms and spoke in plain, honest language.