cushion word; softening phrase
A word or phrase used to soften a potentially awkward or negative statement, especially in business settings. Common examples include 申し訳ありませんが (I'm sorry, but...) and あいにく (unfortunately). The term itself is rare; the concept is more often discussed in communication guides.
wasei-eigo (Japanese-coined English), from cushion word
In business conversation, using a cushion word when refusing softens the impression.
The term 'cushion word' itself is not very common, but the concept is well known.
Variant with interpunct; less common but seen in some contexts.
Wasei-eigo (Japanese-made English) from 'cushion' + 'word'. The term is not used in English with this meaning.