cle’-do-nism (kle’-do-niz’m) n The avoidance of unlucky words, or the use of euphemisms, to avoid misfortune. Examples:
1. Johny says “BM” instead of “shit”. That’s because he’s only six and his mother would wash out his mouth with soap.
2. William will never use the name of his ex-wife (Judi) for it brings back all sorts of bad memories — dumpy little house, beat-up old Dodge, bill collectors and the woman herself.
-Merlin-
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