dysphemism
[ dis-fuh-miz-uhm ]
/ ˈdɪs fəˌmɪz əm /
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noun
the substitution of a harsh, disparaging, or unpleasant expression for a more neutral one.
an expression so substituted, as “cancer stick” for “cigarette.”
ANTONYMS FOR dysphemism
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Origin of dysphemism
First recorded in 1880–85; dys- + (eu)phemism
OTHER WORDS FROM dysphemism
dys·phe·mis·tic, adjectiveWords nearby dysphemism
dyspeptic, dysphagia, dysphagocytosis, dysphasia, dysphemia, dysphemism, dysphonia, dysphoria, dysphoric hypomania, dysphrasia, dyspigmentation
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
British Dictionary definitions for dysphemism
dysphemism
/ (ˈdɪsfɪˌmɪzəm) /
noun
substitution of a derogatory or offensive word or phrase for an innocuous one
the word or phrase so substituted
Derived forms of dysphemism
dysphemistic, adjectiveWord Origin for dysphemism
C19: dys- + euphemism
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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