'euphemism' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'euphēmismos', where 'eu-' meant 'good' and 'phēmē' meant 'speech'.

'euphēmismos' transformed into the Latin word 'euphemismus', and eventually became the modern English word 'euphemism'.

Initially, it meant 'speaking well', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a mild or indirect word or expression'.