A euphemism is a
word or phrase used in place of another word or phrase. Often
euphemisms are used in order to mislead, to confuse, or to neutralize
the reaction of an audience. An example of an euphemism is to call a used car a "pre-owned vehicle."
Loaded words
are words used to engage the emotions of the reader or listener. These
are words that have strong connotations. Some loaded words (especially
the ones with positive connotations) are also euphemisms. When Maine
legislators who oppose the "estate tax" started calling it the "death
tax," they were using loaded words.
Double-speak is another term for ambiguous language that is intended to deceive of confuse. Double-speak involves the use of words or phrases such as "War is peace" or "genuine imitation leather." Double-speak is the use of words in an attempt to make something untrue, true.
