dysphemism

[ dis-fuh-miz-uhm ]

/ ˈdɪs fəˌmɪz əm /

noun

the substitution of a harsh, disparaging, or unpleasant expression for a more neutral one.

an expression so substituted, as “cancer stick” for “cigarette.”

Nearby words

dysphagic, dysphagocytosis, dysphasia, dysphasic, dysphemia, dysphemism, dysphonia, dysphonic, dysphoria, dysphoric, dysphoric hypomania

Origin of dysphemism

First recorded in 1880–85; dys- + (eu)phemism

ANTONYMS FOR dysphemism

euphemism.

Related forms

dys·phe·mis·tic, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

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

dysphemistic, adjective

Word Origin for dysphemism

C19: dys- + euphemism

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012