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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.”
OPPOSITES FOR dysphemism
QUIZ
ARE YOU A TRUE BLUE CHAMPION OF THESE "BLUE" SYNONYMS?
We could talk until we're blue in the face about this quiz on words for the color "blue," but we think you should take the quiz and find out if you're a whiz at these colorful terms.
Question 1 of 8
Which of the following words describes “sky blue”?
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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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