Rhetoric of the State: A Discourse Analysis of the 2023 State of the Nation Address

This study investigates the euphemistic expressions used in the 2023 State of the Nation Address (SONA). Focusing on their types and pragmatic functions. Recognizing that euphemisms are common rhetorical strategies in political discourse, this research aims to identify and classify these expressions and examine the semantic, social, and cultural functions within the context of Filipino communication norms.The study employed a qualitative research design using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) as its methodological lens. Euphemisms were extracted from the official transcript of the 2023 SONA and analyzed using Allan and Burridge’s typology for classification, while Zhang’s framework guided the functional analysis. A total of nine euphemistic expressions were identified and examined. Findings reveal that metaphorical euphemisms were the most dominant type, followed by circumlocution and understatement. Semantically, euphemisms primarily functioned metaphorically to soften or re-frame politically sensitive issues. Socially, they served as politeness strategies that helped maintain a respectful tone and avoid confrontation. Culturally, all euphemisms reflected Filipino-specific values such as indirectness, unity, and emotional sensitivity. Hence, euphemisms in the 2023 SONA were strategically employed not only to manage public perception but also to reflect and reinforce prevailing cultural norms in political communication. These findings provide insights into the subtle use of language in national rhetoric and offer a basis for developing instructional materials in discourse analysis.