Master's Thesis: An investigation of euphemism and dysphemism in American political discourse

This master's thesis investigates the use of euphemism and dysphemism in American political discourse. Language is a fundamental tool for communication, used to convey ideas, messages, and emotions. Figurative language, including euphemisms, can be used in various contexts, including political speeches, to express deeper meanings or create specific impacts. Euphemisms are words or phrases used to substitute offensive or harsh language, often to protect the speaker's or listener's social standing. Conversely, dysphemism uses harsher words to convey a more negative impression. Previous research has explored euphemisms and dysphemisms in the political speeches of figures like Donald Trump, David Cameron, Joe Biden, and Hillary Clinton. These studies examine the types, functions, and strategic use of such language in influencing public opinion and maintaining political image. This thesis builds upon this existing research by conducting a pragmatic analysis to identify the types and functions of both euphemism and dysphemism, highlighting their differences and frequency in American presidential speeches.