Euphemism comes from the Greek word euphēmismós, meaning “use of a favorable word in place of an inauspicious one.” In English, it has been used since the early 17th century to describe the substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for one thought to be offensive, harsh, or blunt. Euphemisms can be found in many different contexts, from language and culture to politics and diplomacy. Today, euphemism remains a commonly used word in English, and is often associated with tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity.