Some authorities have stated that the official name Estado Libre Asociado constitutes a euphemism, that is, a term intended to give positive appearances to negative events or even mislead entirely, and have charged that the official name in English of "Commonwealth" constitutes a fig leaf, i.e., a term used figuratively and associated with the covering up of an act that is actually embarrassing or distasteful with something of innocuous appearance.
Certain authorities have suggested that the name Free Associated State is a euphemism, aiming to present a favorable image while concealing unpleasant truths. Similarly, they contend that the English translation of "Commonwealth" functions as a fig leaf, covering up an embarrassing reality with a innocuous-sounding term.