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.”

dysphemism

/ ˈdɪsfɪˌmɪzəm /

noun

1. substitution of a derogatory or offensive word or phrase for an innocuous one
2. the word or phrase so substituted

Derived Forms

• ˌdyspheˈmistic, adjective

Other Words From

• dysphe·mistic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dysphemism¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of dysphemism¹

C19: dys- + euphemism

Example Sentences

When I was in school, “queer” was one of those fraught dysphemisms.

From New York Times

We also invited the opposite — dysphemisms, terms that cast concepts in a worse light:

From Washington Post

Conversely, you can also suggest dysphemisms: terms that put the term in a worse light, such as “unwanted dreck” rather than “special value.”

From Washington Post

It can result, he said, in a collision of euphemisms and their linguistic opposites, dysphemisms.

From New York Times