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.”

QUIZZES

CHALLENGE YOURSELF WITH THESE WORDS FROM "LITTLE WOMEN"

"Little Women" may be a classic, but that doesn't mean we all know the meanings of the vocab words from the book. Can you define these words correctly and make Jo proud?
Question 1 of 10
earnest
full seriousness, as of intention or purpose.
a feeling of dread, anxiety, or anguish.
urgent character; imperativeness; insistence; importunateness.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of dysphemism

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

ANTONYMS FOR dysphemism

euphemism.

OTHER WORDS FROM dysphemism

dys·phe·mis·tic, adjective

Words 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. 2020

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