The Nature and Origin of Sex-Related Euphemisms in Setswana

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate sex-related euphemisms in Setswana. Although sex matters, as embarrassing phenomena, are not usually talked about in Setswana communities, they have recently been brought to the open by the incidence of the
HIV/AIDS pandemic. The assumption in this study is therefore that, with more open
discourse of sex-related matters in Botswana, more euphemisms have been created to
camouflage the embarrassing nature of the various referents in this field. The sex-related
matters include private parts, sexual activities, sexual secretions, sexual diseases and
related phenomena. This study describes the nature, origin, and types of these euphemisms
and considers their place and role in the social interaction of the people of Botswana.

Keywords: Sex-related euphemisms, Setswana, HIV/AIDS

MARANG Vol. 18 2008 pp. 69-83