avoidance speech

noun

a special restricted speech style in certain languages used to refer to taboo subjects, or as a sign of respect in the presence of certain people, while doing certain activities, following a death, etc., distinguished by a specialized lexicon.

Similar
avoidance language
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Meanings

nounavoidance speech (uncountable)
  1. uncountablehuman sciencesa special restricted speech style in certain languages used to refer to taboo subjects, or as a sign of respect in the presence of certain people, while doing certain activities, following a death, etc., distinguished by a specialized lexicon.

    Synonyms: avoidance language

Synonyms & antonyms

nouna special restricted speech style in certain languages used to refer to taboo subjects, or as a sign of respect in the presence of certain people, while doing certain activities, following a death, etc., distinguished by a specialized lexicon.

Similar
avoidance language

Origin

From avoidance + speech.

Full word history & related roots →

Translations

German Vermeidungssprache
  • Vermeidungssprachemother-in-law language
Cite this entry
APA

avoidance speech. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/avoidance%20speech

MLA

“avoidance speech.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/avoidance%20speech. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “avoidance speech,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/avoidance%20speech.

Source: avoidance speech on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.