Main Entry: dys·phe·mism

Pronunciation: \ˈdis-fə-ˌmi-zəm\

Function: 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

— dys·phe·mis·tic \ˌdis-fə-ˈmis-tik\ adjective