dysphemism
[ dis-fuh-miz-uhm ]
/ ˈdɪs fəˌmɪz əm /
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
First recorded in 1880–85;
dys- +
(eu)phemism
ANTONYMS FOR dysphemism
OTHER WORDS FROM dysphemism
dys·phe·mis·tic, adjectiveWords nearby dysphemism
dyspeptic,
dysphagia,
dysphagocytosis,
dysphasia,
dysphemia,
dysphemism,
dysphonia,
dysphoria,
dysphoric hypomania,
dysphrasia,
dyspigmentation
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
Derived forms of dysphemism
dysphemistic, adjectiveWord Origin for dysphemism
C19:
dys- +
euphemism