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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.”
dysphemism
/ ˈdɪsfɪˌmɪzəm /
noun
- substitution of a derogatory or offensive word or phrase for an innocuous one
- the word or phrase so substituted
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Derived Forms
- ˌdyspheˈmistic, adjective
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Other Words From
- dysphe·mistic adjective
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Word History and Origins
Origin of dysphemism1
First recorded in 1880–85; dys- + (eu)phemism
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Word History and Origins
Origin of dysphemism1
C19: dys- + euphemism
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