Q&A: I have heard about euphemisms, but would you please explain more about them?

Euphemisms are “the substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for one thought to be offensively blunt or harsh” (Random House Dictionary of the English Language). Let’s notice some details about euphemisms and additional principles so we don’t take God’s name in vain.

God’s name should not be used to curse or damn

One way to take God’s name in vain is to use it to curse or damn people, things or situations.

 “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain” (Exodus 20:7).

The word “vain” as used in the Third Commandment has several meanings. One meaning is to not use the name of the Lord your God in a destructive way. Another meaning is to not use God’s name in an empty or useless manner.

It is blasphemy and an insult to the wonderful and loving Eternal God to use His name in such a worthless manner. How would we like it if millions of people would use our name to curse someone or something? Revelation 4:11 states that God is to be honored at all times, including in our speech: “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.”

In Matthew 6:9, Jesus taught: “In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.” We are instructed here to honor, respect and treat as holy the name of God.

We are to honor God’s name because God is holy, and His holy name should not be used for destructive purposes.

God’s name should not be used carelessly (flippantly)

In some people’s speech “God” is simply used as a filler or expressive word. “God,” “oh God” and “oh my God” are all forms of the careless use of God’s name. These statements usually have nothing to do with God and are in no way giving Him honor or referencing His holiness. This kind of use brings disrespect to God’s name by making it commonplace and without substance, rather than honoring, respecting and giving Him reverence.

Unfortunately it is now common to see the term “OMG” in texts. This clearly breaks the Third Commandment.

Euphemisms are word substitutions

There are many harmless euphemisms such as “don’t cry over spilled milk” (to be unhappy about what cannot be undone) or “cash-flow issues” (running out of money). These phrases use word substitutions for displaying a thought or feeling. Unfortunately some euphemisms use replacement words for God in expressions of frustration or anger—“gosh” and “golly” used in place of God and “gee” or “jeeze” for Jesus. Just because the actual name God or Jesus is replaced by other words or sounds does not take away the intent or meaning. Sometimes we can use the euphemisms for God’s names without even realizing it. This is another way people take His name in vain.

The question-and-answer segment in a past issue of The Good News (November/December 1988) covered this question of euphemisms: “Expressions such as ‘gosh’ or ‘gee’ are used as substitutes for the names of God the Father and Jesus Christ they are thinly disguised expressions of strong profanity and blasphemy as such, you should avoid using such words yourself, and you should teach your children not to use them. A person with an adequate vocabulary does not need to use such “filler” words, but is able to express himself or herself in intelligent, reverent speech euphemisms do not add anything sensible to statements.”

Conclusion

The attitude behind the expression is extremely important—often it is one of anger, frustration or a lack of self-control. But once followers of God recognize these are all unnecessary manners of speech that violate the Third Commandment, they should rid their vocabulary of these expressions.

As Christians, we strive to purify our speech in accordance with Ephesians 4:29: “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” Our daily goal should be to honor God in all that proceeds out of our mouth.