epithet

American  

[ep-uh-thet] / ˈɛp əˌθɛt /

noun

1. any word or phrase applied to a person or thing to describe an actual or attributed quality.

   “Richard the Lion-Hearted” is an epithet of Richard I.

   Synonyms:

   appellation, designation, sobriquet, nickname

2. a characterizing word or phrase firmly associated with a person or thing and often used in place of an actual name, title, or the like, as “man's best friend” for “dog.”

   Synonyms:

   appellation, designation, sobriquet, nickname

3. a word, phrase, or expression used invectively as a term of abuse or contempt, to express hostility, etc..

   He demeans his female employees by addressing them with sexist epithets.

   Synonyms:

   obscenity, expletive, abuse, insult, curse

4. Botany, Zoology. specific epithet.

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epithet British  

/ ˈɛpɪˌθɛt /

noun

1. a descriptive word or phrase added to or substituted for a person's name

   "Lackland" is an epithet for King John

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Other Word Forms

• epithetic adjective
• epithetical adjective

Etymology

Origin of epithet

First recorded in 1570–80; from Latin epitheton “adjective; word used attributively,” from Greek epítheton “something added, adjective, epithet,” derivative of epitithénai “to place upon, put upon,” equivalent to epi- + the- (variant stem of tithénai “to put, place”) + -ton neuter participle suffix; epi-

Example Sentences

One aspect of the show that the actor questioned, however, was Fuchs and Kane’s decision to omit that incendiary epithet from the scripts.

From Salon

“I want to make clear that our police department does not tolerate racism or unacceptable epithets of any kind from any member of our organization,” Solinsky wrote in the release.

From Los Angeles Times

Students in the audience, some with mouths taped shut to symbolize their hunger strike over the issue, reacted with fury, calling out, “Cowards!” and other epithets after the 10-to-6 vote, with one abstention.

From Los Angeles Times

Ben Berman, a New York City vegan who began a serious weightlifting regimen last year, said he's trying to reappropriate the epithet "soy boy," historically used to emasculate vegan and vegetarian men.

From Salon

In an interview with the American Patriots of Latino Heritage, Cervantes said he directed a couple of choice epithets at the officer and declared, “I’ll prove you wrong,” before running out the door.

From Los Angeles Times