Dysphemism

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 tree edition" or conventional postal mail as "snail-mail" are examples of dysphemisms.

Contents

Related terms

While "dysphemism" or "malphemism" may be either offensive or merely humorously deprecating, "cacophemism" is usually deliberately offensive. The term "orthophemism" has been offered to refer to a neutral name or expression.[citation needed]

Some humorous expressions can be either euphemistic or dysphemic depending on context because terms which can be dysphemic can also be affectionate. For example, pushing up daisies can be taken as either softer or harsher than died.

See also

Notes

  • ^a dysphemism - from the Greek dys δύς "mis-" and pheme φήμη "reputation"
  • ^b malphemism - from the Latin malus "bad"
  • ^c cacophemism - from the Greek kakos κακός "bad"

References

  1. ^ Languages within language: an evolutive approach Iván Fónagy, John Benjamins Publishing Company, 2001 - 828 pages page 268

Further reading


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Look at other dictionaries:

  • 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,… …   Etymology dictionary

  • 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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