minced oaths

Minced oaths refer to euphemistic expressions that are used as substitutes for strong or offensive words or phrases. They are often designed to soften or disguise the impact of profanity or swear words. For example, instead of using a vulgar term, a minced oath might be employed, such as saying "heck" instead of "hell" or "darn" instead of "damn." These phrases serve as more socially acceptable alternatives while conveying similar sentiments. The term "minced" implies that the original word has been cut down or altered in some way.