This article examines the linguistic and ethnographic nature of taboos and euphemisms as one of the topical issues of lexicology and stylistics of the Kazakh language. The question of the origin and spread of taboos has been studied in detail. The classification of taboos and euphemisms of the Kazakh language is given. Taboos and euphemisms that arose at an early stage of language development due to religious beliefs, as well as customs that once existed among the people, are studied. Forbidden words and euphemisms that arose on a different social basis, which includes etiquette, established moral norms, etc., are classified, techniques and language means of euphemization are identified. The role and function of taboos and euphemisms in changing the meaning of words and enriching the vocabulary and developing the culture of speech are defined.