Dysphemism
[dis-fuh-miz-uh m] /ˈdɪs fəˌmɪz əm/
noun
1.
the substitution of a harsh, disparaging, or unpleasant expression for a more neutral one.
2.
an expression so substituted.
/ˈdɪsfɪˌmɪzəm/
noun
1.
substitution of a derogatory or offensive word or phrase for an innocuous one
2.
the word or phrase so substituted
n.
1884, “substitution of a vulgar or derogatory word or expression for a dignified or normal one,” from Greek dys- “bad, abnormal, difficult” (see dys-) + pheme “speaking,” from phanai “speak” (see fame (n.); Greek dysphemia meant “ill language, words of ill omen”). The opposite of 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]
Read Also:
- Dysphonia
[dis-foh-nee-uh] /dɪsˈfoʊ ni ə/ noun 1. any disturbance of normal vocal function. /dɪsˈfəʊnɪə/ noun 1. any impairment in the ability to speak normally, as from spasm or strain of the vocal cords dysphonia dys·pho·ni·a (dĭs-fō’nē-ə) n. Difficulty in speaking, usually evidenced by hoarseness.
- Dysphonic
[dis-foh-nee-uh] /dɪsˈfoʊ ni ə/ noun 1. any disturbance of normal vocal function. /dɪsˈfəʊnɪə/ noun 1. any impairment in the ability to speak normally, as from spasm or strain of the vocal cords dysphonia dys·pho·ni·a (dĭs-fō’nē-ə) n. Difficulty in speaking, usually evidenced by hoarseness.
- Dysphoria
[dis-fawr-ee-uh, -fohr-] /dɪsˈfɔr i ə, -ˈfoʊr-/ noun, Pathology. 1. a state of dissatisfaction, anxiety, restlessness, or fidgeting. /dɪsˈfɔːrɪə/ noun 1. a feeling of being ill at ease dysphoria dys·pho·ri·a (dĭs-fôr’ē-ə) n. An emotional state marked by anxiety, depression, and restlessness.
- Dysphoric
[dis-fawr-ee-uh, -fohr-] /dɪsˈfɔr i ə, -ˈfoʊr-/ noun, Pathology. 1. a state of dissatisfaction, anxiety, restlessness, or fidgeting. /dɪsˈfɔːrɪə/ noun 1. a feeling of being ill at ease dysphoria dys·pho·ri·a (dĭs-fôr’ē-ə) n. An emotional state marked by anxiety, depression, and restlessness.
- Dysphrasia
dysphrasia dys·phra·sia (dĭs-frā’zhə, -zē-ə) n. See dysphasia.