In question are thoughts on the replacement of words that are perceived as being too harsh or coarse, words with a moderating or even untrue shift of meaning. The continuous repetition of expressions that do not reflect the true picture of reality, however, also brings forth considerable risks:a shift in thinking and in the evaluation of facts. All that has been demonstrated on several examples (euthanasia, interruption of pregnancy, deceased organ donor, therapeutic research).

        Key words: euphemism - euthanasia - interruption of pregnancy - deceased organ donor therapeutic research - slippery slope.