dysphemism

dysphemism
dysphemism 1884, "substitution of a vulgar or derogatory word or expression for a dignified or normal one," from Gk. dys- "bad, abnormal, difficult" (see DYS- (Cf. dys-)) + pheme "speaking," from phanai "speak" (see FAME (Cf. fame); Gk. dysphemia meant "ill language, words of ill omen"). The opposite of EUPHEMISM (Cf. euphemism). Rediscovered 1933 from French formation dysphémisme (1927, Carnoy).
The French psychologist Albert J. Carnoy gave an extensive definition in his study Le Science du Mot, which in translation runs: "Dysphemism is unpitying, brutal, mocking. It is also a reaction against pedantry, rigidity and pretentiousness, but also against nobility and dignity in language" (1927, xxii, 351). [Geoffrey L. Hughes, "An Encyclopedia of Swearing," 2006]

Etymology dictionary. 2014.

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  • Dysphemism — In language, dysphemisma, malphemismb, and cacophemismc refer to the usage of an intentionally harsh, rather than polite, word or expression; roughly the opposite of euphemism. [1] Referring to the paper version of an online magazine as the dead… …   Wikipedia

  • dysphemism — /ˈdɪsfəmɪzəm/ (say disfuhmizuhm) noun 1. the substitution of a harsh, disparaging or offensive expression for a mild or agreeable one (opposed to euphemism). 2. the expression so substituted: dead meat ticket is a dysphemism for identity disc …  

  • dysphemism — noun an offensive or disparaging expression that is substituted for an inoffensive one his favorite dysphemism was to ask for axle grease when he wanted butter • Ant: ↑euphemism • Derivationally related forms: ↑dysphemistic • Hypernyms: ↑saying,… …   Useful english dictionary

  • dysphemism — noun Etymology: dys + phemism (as in euphemism) Date: 1884 the substitution of a disagreeable, offensive, or disparaging expression for an agreeable or inoffensive one; also an expression so substituted • dysphemistic adje …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • dysphemism — dysphemistic, adj. /dis feuh miz euhm/, n. 1. the substitution of a harsh, disparaging, or unpleasant expression for a more neutral one. 2. an expression so substituted. [1880 85; DYS + (EU)PHEMISM] Ant. euphemism. * * * …   Universalium

  • dysphemism — noun /ˈdɪs.fəˌmɪ.z(ə)m/ a) The use of a derogatory, offensive or vulgar word or phrase to replace a (more) neutral original. b) A word or phrase that is used to replace another in this way. Ant: euphemism See Also …   Wiktionary

  • dysphemism — [ dɪsfɪmɪz(ə)m] noun a derogatory or unpleasant term used instead of a pleasant or neutral one …   English new terms dictionary

  • dysphemism — dys·phe·mism …   English syllables

  • dysphemism — dys•phe•mism [[t]ˈdɪs fəˌmɪz əm[/t]] n. 1) ling. the substitution of a harsh, disparaging, or unpleasant expression for a more neutral one 2) ling. an expression so substituted • Etymology: 1880–85; dys + (eu) phemism dys phe•mis′tic, adj …   From formal English to slang

  • EUPHEMISM AND DYSPHEMISM — Euphemism Euphemism is the substitution of an agreeable or inoffensive word or term for one that is indelicate, blasphemous, or taboo. Various types of euphemisms are found in the Bible, including (1) avoidance of direct implication of the… …   Encyclopedia of Judaism

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