dysphemism

noun

dys·phe·mism ˈdis-fə-ˌmi-zəm

: the substitution of a disagreeable, offensive, or disparaging expression for an agreeable or inoffensive one

also : an expression so substituted

dysphemistic

ˌdis-fə-ˈmi-stik

adjective

Etymology

dys- + -phemism (in euphemism)

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of dysphemism was in 1884

See more words from the same year

Style

“Dysphemism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dysphemism. Accessed 29 May. 2023.

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