‘Auntie’s Come to Tea’: Menstrual Euphemism

Abstract

This chapter deals with how people find ways to talk about a subject, which is still deemed ‘sensitive’ in mainstream society. Although such talk may be difficult for many people, vernacular language, which is the focus of this chapter, is one means of articulating this ‘sensitive’ subject. I shall focus on this language in order to explore how menstrual euphemisms and slang not only provide a conversational way around a difficult topic, but also help to shape, and are shaped by, societal views of menstruation.