dysphemism

[ dis-fuh-miz-uhm ]

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

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

Origin of dysphemism

1
First recorded in 1880–85; dys- + (eu)phemism

Opposites for dysphemism

Other words from dysphemism

  • dys·phe·mis·tic, adjective

Words Nearby dysphemism

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British Dictionary definitions for dysphemism

dysphemism

/ (ˈdɪsfɪˌmɪzəm) /


noun
  1. substitution of a derogatory or offensive word or phrase for an innocuous one

  2. the word or phrase so substituted

Origin of dysphemism

1
C19: dys- + euphemism

Derived forms of dysphemism

  • dysphemistic, adjective

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