CONCEPTUAL METAPHOR AND EUPHEMIZATION IN THE SPANISH LINGUOCULTURAL WORLDVIEW

Abstract

This work explores the interplay between conceptual metaphor and euphemization processes within the Spanish linguocultural worldview. Special attention is given to taboo domains such as death (muerte), old age (vejez), and illness (enfermedad), which are among the most heavily euphemized concepts in Spanish. Drawing on cognitive linguistics, the analysis demonstrates how universal embodied experiences combine with culture-specific elements—particularly Catholic-Christian traditions, historical-political influences, and Mediterranean worldview—to shape distinctive euphemistic strategies in Spanish. Spanish shows a stronger preference for religiously oriented mappings and less optimistic framings compared to more secularized languages like contemporary English.