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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


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Derived Forms

  • ˌdyspheˈmistic, adjective

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Other Words From

  • dysphe·mistic adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of dysphemism1

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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of dysphemism1

C19: dys- + euphemism

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dysphemiadysphonia