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

euphemism.

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Origin of dysphemism

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

OTHER WORDS FROM dysphemism

dys·phe·mis·tic, adjective

Words nearby dysphemism

dyspepsia, dyspeptic, dysphagia, dysphasia, dysphemia, dysphemism, dysphonia, dysphoria, dysphoric, dysplasia, dyspnea

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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, 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