What do Popeye, Casper the Friendly Ghost, and Superman have in common?
Besides being Saturday morning legends, they’re all experts at saying it nicely—a.k.a. using euphemisms. Whether it’s Popeye teasing his pals, Casper trying to make friends, or Superman politely saving the day (again), these classic characters show us that sometimes a softer phrase packs just as much punch as the truth.
And honestly… who better to help us with teaching euphemisms with cartoons than a sailor with spinach breath, a lonely ghost, and a man who wears his underwear over his tights?
In honor of National Movie Day, let’s grab some popcorn (or a cup of coffee, we’re teachers) and take a look at how euphemisms show up in classic cartoons and how you can use them to teach figurative language, tone, and audience awareness in your upper elementary classroom.
Be sure to get the handout. It includes the printables you need to complete the activities mentioned in the post, as well as a link to a Google Slides version.
What Are Euphemisms?
A euphemism is a mild or indirect way of saying something that might otherwise sound a little harsh, awkward, or just plain rude.
We use them all the time, sometimes without even realizing it:
- “passed away” instead of “died”
- “let go” instead of “fired”
- “taking a break” instead of “I’ve had enough and need chocolate immediately”
Cartoons use euphemisms to keep things light and kid-friendly; after all, “He got bonked on the head” sounds a lot better than “He just suffered a mild concussion.”
Watch the Lesson: Teaching Euphemisms with Cartoons
In this short video lesson, students watch euphemisms in action across three classic cartoons:
Popeye – humor and teasing
Casper – rejection and emotional vulnerability
Superman – heroism and danger
Each clip includes examples of euphemisms and what they really mean beneath the friendly phrasing.
Cartoon #1: Popeye – April Fool’s Day
Euphemism Highlights:
“April Fool!” – A cheerful way to say, “Ha! I tricked you!”
“Can’t you take a joke?” – Translation: “Yes, I went too far, but let’s all laugh anyway.”
“That’s embarrassing” – The polite cousin of “humiliating.”
“Sucker for a gag” – A teasing way to say someone’s gullible.
Teaching Tip:
This episode is perfect for showing how euphemisms smooth over social tension. Talk about why people soften their words after pranks or embarrassing moments. (Bonus activity: Have students rewrite a prank scene without euphemisms and notice how the tone changes.)
Cartoon #2: Casper – A Haunting We Will Go
Euphemism Highlights:
- “Wouldn’t scare people” – Casper’s refusal to conform
- “Scaring the daylights out of people” – A humorous idiom for fear
- “I might as well be dead” – Expressing loneliness (with layered meaning)
- “In better spirits” – A pun on mood and ghostliness
Teaching Tip: Explore how euphemisms help express emotional vulnerability in a gentle, age-appropriate way.
Cartoon #3: Superman – Billion Dollar Limited
Euphemism Highlights:
- “This looks like a job for Superman” – Framing danger as duty
- “Turns up just when you need him” – Downplaying life-saving timing
- “Fights a never-ending battle” – Metaphor for moral struggle
- “Brought to justice” – A noble way to describe capturing criminals
Teaching Tip: Discuss how euphemisms elevate heroism and soften the reality of conflict.
Euphemisms Matching Cards
Students match euphemisms from the cartoons to their literal meanings. Great for centers or small groups.
Classic cartoons make teaching euphemisms with cartoons fun, visual, and memorable. Your students get to laugh while analyzing meaning — always a win in upper elementary.
So next time you need a creative way to introduce euphemisms, let Popeye, Casper, and Superman lend a hand. Just be warned: your students might start saying, “I was selectively successful on that test” instead of “I bombed it.”
Ready to Teach?
Download the handout with the teaching organizer that students complete while watching the lesson.
Want more?
Explore additional figurative language blog posts.
See the product that inspired this post.
If you are looking to add some high interest activities to your lessons, try using animated shorts to teach reading and writing skills. This packet contains graphic organizers covering many Common Core skills. $Save$ when you purchase this mega bundle which includes all 12 units.
