EUPHEMISMS OF BODILY AND PHYSIOLOGICAL VOCABULARY IN MODERN CONVERSATIONAL RUSSIAN

This article provides a systematic analysis of euphemisms related to body parts, physiological processes, and the intimate sphere in modern spoken Russian. The study examines the reasons why this type of vocabulary acquires a taboo character and explores the mechanisms of euphemism formation. Empirical data include examples drawn from live spoken language, internet forums, fiction, and journalistic texts. The findings indicate that nominations related to intimate body parts, excretory processes, menstruation, pregnancy, and childbirth are subject to the most active euphemization. The main euphemization strategies include the use of child-like vocabulary, medical terminology, borrowings from foreign languages, and the widespread use of periphrasis. It is also established that the choice of euphemism directly depends on the speakers’ age, the degree of their socio-psychological closeness, and the specific communicative situation. The results contribute to a deeper understanding of the socio-cultural characteristics of the Russian language and have practical significance for improving methods of teaching spoken Russian to foreign learners.