dysphemism

noun dys·phe·mism \ˈdis-fə-ˌmi-zəm\

Definition of DYSPHEMISM

: 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

dys- + -phemism (as in euphemism)

First Known Use: 1884

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