Euphemism used in political articles in reuters. Com

Data Presentation

In addition, based on the data analysis on the headlines of reuters.com, which was published from March 1 up to March 31, 2008, the researcher selects fifteen headlines involve political topics. The findings are presented as the followings:

1. The Data From The First Category

Data 1:

Tokyo, Tuesday, March 4^th 2008

“Obama thanks supporters in namesake Japanese town”

Based on the preceding discussion, the word “namesake Japanese town” can be classified into euphemism type eleventh. It is metonymy. Metonymy refers to the naming only a part, such as the inventor of the owner since the naming is closely related. The word “namesake Japanese town” refers to Mayor Toshio Murakami of Obama city in central Japan.

Moreover, this headline uses consultative style. It indicates a level of language in a formal situation. In this case, Barack Obama has the same name with one of Japanese town.
In addition, the function of this headline is to inform. Here. The writer conveys new information that the Mayor of the sleepy Japanese fishing part of Obama
received a letter of thanks from him, because Obama’name has written twice in the past year, enclosing gifts of chopsticks and a good luck charm.
Data 2:

Chicago, Wednesday March 5^th 2008

“Obama says he’ll push back against Clinton”

Based on preceding discussion, the word “push back” uses type of euphemism namely hyperbole. Hyperbole is overstatements make to effect not intend be taken literally. “push back” in this headline is a euphemism from words “do more aggressive approach”. In this case, Barack Obama is going to do more aggressive approach with Hillary Clinton as his rival for Democratic presidential nominations.

In addition, style of euphemism this headline is formal style. In accordance with the word “push back” indicates to formal language, which is usually used in the constitution. Formal style means an expression functioning as a single unit and which meaning can not be worked out from its separate parts.
Indeed, the function of this headline is to inform. It means that the writer conveys the information that Obama promised a more aggressive approach in his battle with Hillary Clinton for the Democratic Presidential nomination.
Data 3:

Berlin, Thursday March 6^th 2008