Features of euphemisms functioning in Russian printed media headlines

Statement of the problem. The article examines the features of the functioning of euphemisms and analyzes the most likely intentions of their use in the headlines of the Russian printed media. The purpose of the article is to study functioning of the Russian-language euphemisms found in the headlines of the Russian printed media. The methodology of the study includes analysis and synthesis of research works by Russian and international scientists in the field of cultural linguistics, lexicology and stylistics, collection of lexical material, structural and semantic analysis of euphemistic units and interpretation of intentional strategies for the units under consideration. Research results. The main factors contributing to the use of euphemisms in the headlines of modern Russian printed media are identified; the most common methods of euphemization are indicated; the quantitative analysis results for the applied probable euphemistic intentions are presented. Conclusion. The study of speech euphemization and probable euphemistic intentions in the field of printed media makes it possible to clarify the features and thematic specifics of the analyzed phenomenon. The main driving types of requirements for the use of euphemisms in modern printed Russian-language media are formulated. The priority topic, which is most often euphemized and causes the emergence of new antiphrasis expressions, is identified. The most common way of euphemism formation is indicated. The quantitative analysis results are given on the prevalence of certain probable euphemistic intentions.