dysphemism
[ dis-fuh-miz-uhm ]
noun
the substitution of a harsh, disparaging, or unpleasant expression for a more neutral one.
an expression so substituted, as “cancer stick” for “cigarette.”
Origin of dysphemism
1First recorded in 1880–85; dys- + (eu)phemism
Opposites for dysphemism
Other words from dysphemism
- dys·phe·mis·tic, adjective
Words Nearby dysphemism
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
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
Origin of dysphemism
1C19: dys- + euphemism
Derived forms of dysphemism
- dysphemistic, adjective
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
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