{"id":8247,"date":"2024-10-25T01:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-10-25T01:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/?p=8247"},"modified":"2025-10-27T04:08:21","modified_gmt":"2025-10-27T04:08:21","slug":"negative-positive-english","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/negative-positive-english\/","title":{"rendered":"\"Old\" or \"Vintage\"? Saying Negative Things in a Positive Way"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/negative-positive-english\/#Cheap_%3E%3E_Inexpensive\" >Cheap &gt;&gt; Inexpensive<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/negative-positive-english\/#Stingy_%3E%3E_Frugal\" >Stingy &gt;&gt; Frugal<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/negative-positive-english\/#Old_people_%3E%3E_Elderly_Senior_Citizen\" >Old (people) &gt;&gt; Elderly \/ Senior Citizen<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/negative-positive-english\/#Old_things_%3E%3E_Vintage_Classic\" >Old (things) &gt;&gt; Vintage \/ Classic<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/negative-positive-english\/#Used_%3E%3E_Pre-owned_Pre-loved\" >Used &gt;&gt; Pre-owned \/ Pre-loved<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/negative-positive-english\/#Weird_%3E%3E_Eccentric_Unique\" >Weird &gt;&gt; Eccentric \/ Unique<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/negative-positive-english\/#Rich_%3E%3E_Comfortable_Well-off\" >Rich &gt;&gt; Comfortable \/ Well-off<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/negative-positive-english\/#Poor_%3E%3E_Low-income_Underprivileged\" >Poor &gt;&gt; Low-income \/ Underprivileged<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/negative-positive-english\/#Die_%3E%3E_Pass_away\" >Die &gt;&gt; Pass away<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/negative-positive-english\/#Small_%3E%3E_Cozy\" >Small &gt;&gt; Cozy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/negative-positive-english\/#Damage_%3E%3E_Imperfections\" >Damage &gt;&gt; Imperfections<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/negative-positive-english\/#Plain_%3E%3E_Simple_Understated\" >Plain &gt;&gt; Simple \/ Understated<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/negative-positive-english\/#Wrap-up\" >Wrap-up<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>Have you ever thought about the difference between \"bathroom\" and \"restroom\"? In most situations, they mean the same thing, so why do we have both?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Well, \"restroom\" is what's called a \"euphemism,\" which is a softer word used instead of one that may be too direct or unpleasant. Since baths are private, people often prefer to use \"rest\" to make conversations more comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Euphemisms are very common, even if you don't realize it. This article will introduce 19 terms you can use when the alternative isn't quite what you want to say.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cheap_%3E%3E_Inexpensive\"><\/span><strong>Cheap &gt;&gt; Inexpensive<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>\"Cheap\" often has a negative nuance. In addition to a low price, it can also suggest that something is of low quality. A more positive alternative is \"inexpensive.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>This hotel is <strong>inexpensive<\/strong>, but it offers good value with an excellent location.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stingy_%3E%3E_Frugal\"><\/span><strong>Stingy &gt;&gt; Frugal<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Did you know that \"cheap\" can also describe people? People who are cheap, or \"stingy,\" do not like spending money. Instead, they try to keep as much of it as they can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, the adjective \"frugal\" is a positive way to describe someone who uses their money carefully and thoughtfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/travel-fun\/essential-english-vocabulary-for-cooking\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cooking<\/a> his own meals at home is one way Ken keeps his lifestyle <strong>frugal<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The adverb form is \"frugally.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Carol decorated her apartment very <strong>frugally<\/strong>, but it still looks great.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Old_people_%3E%3E_Elderly_Senior_Citizen\"><\/span><strong>Old (people) &gt;&gt; Elderly \/ Senior Citizen<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/03\/06080306\/euphemisms_pexels-rdne-stock-project-56375731-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"An elderly woman holding large, yellow flowers up to her nose\" class=\"wp-image-8252\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/03\/06080306\/euphemisms_pexels-rdne-stock-project-56375731-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/03\/06080306\/euphemisms_pexels-rdne-stock-project-56375731-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/03\/06080306\/euphemisms_pexels-rdne-stock-project-56375731-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/03\/06080306\/euphemisms_pexels-rdne-stock-project-56375731-420x280.jpg 420w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/03\/06080306\/euphemisms_pexels-rdne-stock-project-56375731-840x560.jpg 840w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When talking about people, \"old\" is generally considered to be rude. To refer to older people, you can say \"elderly\" or \"senior citizen(s).\"&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>This is a care home for the <strong>elderly<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>I saw him speaking with an <strong>elderly<\/strong> woman with a cane.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>My uncle is pretty active for a <strong>senior citizen<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Old_things_%3E%3E_Vintage_Classic\"><\/span><strong>Old (things) &gt;&gt; Vintage \/ Classic<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>What if you're talking about old objects instead of people? Try using \"vintage\" or \"classic.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The flea market has a lot of <strong>vintage<\/strong> items that are difficult to find anywhere else.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lots of <strong>classic<\/strong> cars were parked in the large garage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In some cases, people use these alternatives sarcastically, so be sure to listen to the speaker's tone carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>His closet was full of lots of \u2026 <em><strong>vintage<\/strong><\/em> clothes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Used_%3E%3E_Pre-owned_Pre-loved\"><\/span><strong>Used &gt;&gt; Pre-owned \/ Pre-loved<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"765\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/03\/06080325\/euphemisms_pexels-annette-dawm-91330361-1024x765.jpg\" alt=\"A variety of used items for sale at a flea market\" class=\"wp-image-8253\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/03\/06080325\/euphemisms_pexels-annette-dawm-91330361-1024x765.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/03\/06080325\/euphemisms_pexels-annette-dawm-91330361-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/03\/06080325\/euphemisms_pexels-annette-dawm-91330361-768x574.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\"Vintage\" can be used to describe used items too. However, you can also say \"pre-owned\" and even \"pre-loved,\" which is more casual.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>I have a <strong>pre-owned<\/strong> car for sale, if you're interested.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Visit our store to browse lots of <strong>pre-loved<\/strong> items looking for a new home!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Weird_%3E%3E_Eccentric_Unique\"><\/span><strong>Weird &gt;&gt; Eccentric \/ Unique<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>\"Weird\" is a very direct way to say \"unusual.\" It doesn't always have a negative nuance, but it doesn't sound especially positive, either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you'd like to describe something that is not typical in a positive way, use \"eccentric\" or even \"unique.\" \"Eccentric\" is best for people and the things related to them, such as fashion or tastes. \"Unique\" can be used more generally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>My neighbor is pretty <strong>eccentric<\/strong>. His style and taste in music are very different from anyone else I know.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-left\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141657\/avatar_22.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">A<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\">What did you think of the art at the exhibition?<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-right\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141702\/avatar_23.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">B<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\">It was pretty <strong>unique<\/strong>. I've never seen anything like it before.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>For even more words you can use to talk about something unusual, have a look at our article <a href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/other-ways-to-say-weird\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">'What's Another Way to Say \"Weird\"?'<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rich_%3E%3E_Comfortable_Well-off\"><\/span><strong>Rich &gt;&gt; Comfortable \/ Well-off<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/03\/06080343\/euphemisms_pexels-ron-lach-78841291-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A rich older woman wearing sunglasses and holding lots of cash in both hands\" class=\"wp-image-8254\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/03\/06080343\/euphemisms_pexels-ron-lach-78841291-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/03\/06080343\/euphemisms_pexels-ron-lach-78841291-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/03\/06080343\/euphemisms_pexels-ron-lach-78841291-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/03\/06080343\/euphemisms_pexels-ron-lach-78841291-420x280.jpg 420w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/03\/06080343\/euphemisms_pexels-ron-lach-78841291-840x560.jpg 840w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\"Rich\" is not exactly a negative word; having a lot of money is generally a very positive thing! However, calling someone else or even yourself \"rich\" is very bold since people like to be more <a href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/how-to-avoid-answering-sensitive-questions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">vague<\/a> when discussing money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, try using the words \"comfortable\" or \"well-off.\" \"Comfortable\" isn't exactly the same as \"rich,\" but it does suggest that someone has no worries related to money.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-left\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141554\/avatar_8.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">A<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\">Does your job pay you a high salary?<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-right\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141558\/avatar_9.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">B<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\">Well, let's just say that I'm <strong>comfortable<\/strong>.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>He never talks about how much he makes, but it's obvious from his house and clothes that he's <strong>well-off<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Poor_%3E%3E_Low-income_Underprivileged\"><\/span><strong>Poor &gt;&gt; Low-income \/ Underprivileged<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The opposite of \"rich\" is \"poor,\" which is definitely not a positive term. It is often switched for \"low-income\" or \"underprivileged.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The increase of the minimum wage was great news for <strong>low-income<\/strong> workers around the country.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Despite coming from an <strong>underprivileged<\/strong> family, he was able to become a big success.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Die_%3E%3E_Pass_away\"><\/span><strong>Die &gt;&gt; Pass away<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For most people, death is a very uncomfortable topic. Also, the word \"die\" is quite direct and harsh. It is common to instead use \"pass away.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>My grandmother <strong>passed away<\/strong> when I was very young.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Small_%3E%3E_Cozy\"><\/span><strong>Small &gt;&gt; Cozy<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/03\/06080402\/euphemisms_pexels-haley-black-39680611-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"A cozy cafe with many books and pieces of wooden furniture\" class=\"wp-image-8255\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/03\/06080402\/euphemisms_pexels-haley-black-39680611-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/03\/06080402\/euphemisms_pexels-haley-black-39680611-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/03\/06080402\/euphemisms_pexels-haley-black-39680611-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When talking about spaces, some people think \"small\" sounds negative \u2014&nbsp;after all, wouldn't you rather have a large room instead of a small one?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Using \"cozy,\" however, makes a small space sound more comfortable and pleasant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Jenny's decoration skills turned a tiny room into a very <strong>cozy<\/strong> space to relax.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The local cafe is a <strong>cozy<\/strong> place where people in the neighborhood like to gather and talk.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Damage_%3E%3E_Imperfections\"><\/span><strong>Damage &gt;&gt; Imperfections<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When <a href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/whats-the-difference-between-for-sale-and-on-sale\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">shopping<\/a>, especially for used items, you will come across many products that have scratches, dents and other kinds of damage. Rather than use these negative words, however, you may see tags mentioning \"imperfections.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Because of the item's <strong>imperfections<\/strong>, we can offer you a nice discount.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Plain_%3E%3E_Simple_Understated\"><\/span><strong>Plain &gt;&gt; Simple \/ Understated<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Even though \"plain\" is actually a neutral word, its nuance can include \"<a href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/yawn-other-ways-to-say-bored-and-boring\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">boring<\/a>\" or \"unexciting.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If something is not fancy or detailed, you can instead use \"simple\" or \"understated\" to give it a more positive feeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The hotel rooms were <strong>simple<\/strong> and clean.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ashley has a very <strong>understated<\/strong> sense of style. She likes simple, comfortable clothes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wrap-up\"><\/span><strong>Wrap-up<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the benefits of having a large vocabulary is that it gives you choices to express yourself; if there is something you'd like to say in a slightly different way, you have several options available to use!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you found this list helpful, be sure to also read our article on body types, which introduces many polite ways to refer to people of different sizes and shapes: <a href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/16-words-for-describing-different-body-types\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">16 Words for Describing Different Body Types<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And finally, be careful of words that <a href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/sick-when-negative-words-have-positive-meanings\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sound negative<\/a> but actually have a positive meaning!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Have you ever thought about the difference between \"bathroom\" and \"restroom\"? In most situations, they mean the same thing, so why do we have both? Well, \"restroom\" is what's called a \"euphemism,\" which is a...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":432,"featured_media":9845,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"unified_meta_tagline_field":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[58,50,17],"class_list":["post-8247","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-language-tips","tag-other-ways-to-say","tag-politeness","tag-vocabulary"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>&quot;Old&quot; or &quot;Vintage&quot;? Saying Negative Things in a Positive Way | Engoo Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Do you know other ways to say &quot;plain&quot; or &quot;cheap&quot;? 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