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

Word History

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dysphemism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dysphemism. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

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