2. An instance of this figure; a less distasteful word or phrase used as a substitute for something harsher or more offensive.

Examples:

skunk fur > "Alaskan Sable"

pornography > adult entertainment

overweight > big-boned

civilian casualties in warfare > collateral damage

to die > cash in your chips, cross over to the other side, pass away

penalty, punishment > disincentive

junk mail > direct mail

genocide > ethnic cleansing

coitus or sexual intercourse > go all the way, do the wild thing, making whoopee, roll in the hay

stolen merchandise > it fell off the back of a truck

garbage dump > landfill

trailer > mobile home

examples selected from http://www.euphemismlist.com/