A Pragmatic Analysis of Euphemism Used by Netizens in TikTok Comments on Vadel Badjideh's Videos
), Nur Rosita(2), (1) Universitas Negeri Padang
Indonesia
(2) Universitas Negeri Padang
Indonesia
Corresponding Author
Copyright (c) 2025 Resti Maulani, Nur Rosita
DOI : https://doi.org/10.24036/ell.v14i4.136002
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Language : en
Abstract
This research investigated the functions, patterns, and references of euphemisms used by netizens in the comment section of three TikTok accounts, namely @detik.com, @On The Wave, and @Pojok Satu Selebriti, which uploaded videos about Vadel Badjideh. This study found 120 data. Using a descriptive qualitative method, the functions were classified based on Burridge (2012), Warren (1992) for euphemism patterns, and Sutarman (2008) for euphemism references. The findings revealed four functions of euphemism, namely protective, underhand, uplifting, and ludic. In terms of patterns, four types of euphemism were identified, there are word formation, phonemic modification, loanword & borrowing, and semantic innovation. Furthermore, five categories of euphemism reference were found, namely objects and animal, parts of body, diseases, characteristic or condition, and activities. This study successfully identified in detail the functions, patterns, and references of euphemisms used by netizens in the comment sections of three TikTok accounts related to Vadel Badjideh. The main findings showed that the underhand function (deceptive or subtle) was the most dominant function of euphemisms to highlight netizens’ efforts to express sensitive views indirectly. In terms of patterns, semantic innovation was the most frequently used method for forming new euphemisms. In addition, five categories of euphemism references were found, with references related to Vadel’s characteristic or condition being the most common. Overall, this study revealed that euphemisms on TikTok functioned as a creative and dynamic linguistic strategy, which was mainly used by netizens to disguise subtle criticism of a person’s characteristics or condition.
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