noaord

From noa, a Polynesian term for replacing names to avoid summoning something; a form of euphemism, the antonym of tabu. And ord (“word”).

noaord n

1. a euphemism, a non-tabu synonym (used to avoid words which might bring bad luck)

• Various Swedish words are described as noaord because of their etymology connected to folklore or superstitious belief. For example, the Swedish word ulv (“a wolf”) was avoided (if you call them by name, they might come) and instead the noaord varg (“a thief”) was used, which is now the dominating word for wolf.

• noanamn