dysphemism

American  

[dis-fuh-miz-uhm] / ˈdɪs fəˌmɪz əm /

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.”

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dysphemism British  

/ ˈdɪsfɪˌmɪzəm /

noun

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

2. the word or phrase so substituted

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Other Word Forms

• dysphemistic adjective

Etymology

Origin of dysphemism

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

Example Sentences

The headline for this week’s results is by Jeff Contompasis, who also suggested the dysphemism part of the contest; Jesse Frankovich wrote the honorable-mentions subhead.

From Washington Post • Dec. 20, 2017

He’s a virtuoso of the espionage dysphemism, my favorite being “the coalition of the belatedly almost willing.”

From Slate • May 8, 2013