Abstract

Euphemism, as a universal linguistic phenomenon, is widely used in aspects of social culture, which is also true of the English euphemism, which has resulted from and abounds in the English culture. During the conversation with others, due to some restriction on behavior and morality, people tend to use euphemism as a kind of lubrication, substituting more tactful and pleasant expressions for harsh and indelicate ones. This paper, based on American television sitcom Two Broke Girls makes a preliminary study on English euphemism. Through the analysis of the dialogues between the heroes and heroines, this paper aims for a better understanding of pragmatic principles and pragmatic functions and the reflected American culture as well. The study of English euphemism will benefit cross-cultural communication and serve for international communication and global cooperation.

Key words: English euphemism; Cooperative Principle; Two Broke Girls

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

I. Introduction-1

II. A Brief Introduction to Euphemism-1

2.1 Literature review-2

2.2 The definition of euphemism-2

2.3 The characteristics of euphemism-3

2.3.1 Universality-3

2.3.2 Diachrony-4

2.3.3 Obscurity-5

2.3.4 Cultural Specificity-5

III. The Outline of American Television Sitcom Two Broke Girls-6

IV. The Cooperative Principle and its Application to Two Broke Girls-6

4.1 Cooperative principle (CP)-6

4.1.1 Maxim of quantity and its violation-7

4.1.2 Maxim of quality and its violation-8

4.1.3 Maxim of re1evance and its violation-10

4.1.4 Maxim of manner and its violation-11

V. The Pragmatic Functions of English Euphemisms-12

5.1 The function of avoiding taboo-12

5.2 The function of being polite-13

5.3 The function of disguising-14

5.4 The function of being humorous-14

VI. Conclusion-15

References-17