epithet

American  

[ep-uh-thet] / ˈɛp əˌθɛt /

noun

1. any word or phrase applied to a person or thing to describe an actual or attributed quality.

   “Richard the Lion-Hearted” is an epithet of Richard I.

   Synonyms:

   appellation, designation, sobriquet, nickname

2. a characterizing word or phrase firmly associated with a person or thing and often used in place of an actual name, title, or the like, as “man's best friend” for “dog.”

   Synonyms:

   appellation, designation, sobriquet, nickname

3. a word, phrase, or expression used invectively as a term of abuse or contempt, to express hostility, etc..

   He demeans his female employees by addressing them with sexist epithets.

   Synonyms:

   obscenity, expletive, abuse, insult, curse

4. Botany, Zoology. specific epithet.

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epithet British  

/ ˈɛpɪˌθɛt /

noun

1. a descriptive word or phrase added to or substituted for a person's name

   "Lackland" is an epithet for King John

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Other Word Forms

• epithetic
  adjective
• epithetical
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of epithet

First recorded in 1570–80; from Latin epitheton “adjective; word used attributively,” from Greek epítheton “something added, adjective, epithet,” derivative of epitithénai “to place upon, put upon,” equivalent to epi- + the- (variant stem of tithénai “to put, place”) + -ton neuter participle suffix; see epi-

Explanation

The noun epithet is a descriptive nickname, such as "Richard the Lionhearted," or "Tommy the Terrible." When it takes a turn for the worse, it can also be a word or phrase that offends. Don’t let epithet’s bad reputation fool you — that’s only half the story. An epithet can be harmless, a nickname that catches on, like all hockey fans knowing that "Sid the Kid" is Sidney Crosby. On the flip side, an epithet can be an abusive word or phrase that should never be used, like a racial epithet that offends and angers everyone.

Example Sentences

Epithet inflation has diminished “great” somewhat so we have to be careful.

From New York Times • Dec. 6, 2012

Epithet Potbellied Sirs: Naturally, if you are not potbellied, the epithet rolls off you like water from a duck's back.

From Time Magazine Archive

Epithet too easily used which assailed unanimously the appearance of "Interpretation of Dreams" by Freud, psychologic document which is and always will remain in spite of all the most important and sensational of our epoch.

From Time Magazine Archive

Epithet of Bacchus, "vintager;" here name of a person in the comedy of "Peace."

From A Handbook to the Works of Browning (6th ed.) by Orr, Sutherland, Mrs.

I think Foster will do me good,—'On the Epithet Romantic.'

From Memoir of Mary L. Ware, Wife of Henry Ware, Jr. by Hall, Edward B.