The Dynamics of Using Euphemisms Related to Sexual Activity in Indonesian Online Social Media

This paper aims to explore the dynamics of using euphemisms related to sexual activity in Indonesian online social media reporting from 2022 to 2024. The unit of analysis consists of sentences containing expressions referring to sexual activity bersetubuh ‘intercourse’. The results show that reporting on topics related to sexual activity in Indonesian online social media is dominated by the use of dysphemism rather than euphemism. In this context, the dysphemistic style is realized through five linguistic mechanisms, resulting in 48 (56.4%) patterns or variations of expressions. The euphemistic style is realized through four linguistic mechanisms, resulting in 32 (27.2%) patterns or variations of expressions. Meanwhile, the orthophemistic style is realized through two linguistic mechanisms, resulting in 5 (5.8%) patterns or variations of expressions. This indicates that the drive for politeness in reporting taboo sexual topics is outweighed by the urge to show a highly critical attitude towards unlawful sexual acts, in addition to sensational motives. The orthophemistic style is also used to reveal the actual (unambiguous) events.