euphemism - vocabulary
A figure of speech by which a less offensive phrase is substituted to convey a harsh thought. For example, pass away is a euphemism for die.
Euphemisms abound for prostitution, but spend a week combing through the phone records of the so-called "D.C. Madam," and it's clear that "call girl" is far and away the most apt. It is all about the calls.
—In “D.C. Madam's” Phone Records, A Slice of Washington, Cable News Network
© Grammar.com