dysphemism

Noun

Meaning

an offensive or disparaging expression that is substituted for an inoffensive one

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Related terms

Examples

his favorite dysphemism was to ask for axle grease when he wanted butter Source: Internet

A dysphemism is an expression with connotations that are offensive either about the subject matter or to the audience, or both. Source: Internet

Cast member Lulu Roman "played" moonshine jugs (by which, she would blow air over the spout, creating a "humming sound"), which partially explains the sketch's title (as well as the fact that "jugs" is a dysphemism for breasts). Source: Internet

Examples include "bitch", "pig", "chicken", "snake" and "rat". citation Euphemistic dysphemism A speaker may use a minced oath when wanting to swear (interjectionally) for emphasis without offending. Source: Internet

Move from euphemism to dysphemism The process of pejoration leads to words that were once considered euphemisms to now be considered dysphemisms. Source: Internet

In that case it would appeal to the listener's positive face rather than damage it, and would thus not be a dysphemism. Source: Internet

Close letter words and terms