What Is Dysphemism? | Meaning & Examples

A dysphemism is an insulting, harsh, or derogatory term that is used in place of something more neutral. It is often used as a means of expressing strong emotion or as a humorous communication between friends.

Dysphemism meaning

Dysphemism comes from the Greek “dys-” meaning “bad” and “-pheme” meaning “speech,” and that explains its English meaning well: speaking badly about something or someone.

Although it can occasionally be used affectionately among friends, dysphemism is usually used to berate or cast a negative light. It is a tool to criticize by offering a “bad” version of a description of someone or something (e.g., “pencil pusher” instead of “administrator” or describing a place as a “hellhole”).

Dysphemism is less common than its antonym, “euphemism.” A euphemism is a gentler way of saying something (e.g., describing a toilet as a “restroom” or “bathroom”).

Dysphmisms, on the other hand, put a negative gloss on what is being described (e.g., describing a newspaper as a “rag”). The intention is usually to express criticism or disapproval.

Why do people use dysphemisms?

Dysphemisms can serve a number of purposes in our discourses, including:

• To deliberately offend: A dysphemism can be an effective way of insulting or offending someone by denigrating their character or employment (e.g., calling a highly qualified car mechanic or technician a “grease-monkey”).
• To express discontent or anger: If you have a bad experience at a hotel and refer to it in an online review as a “flea-pit,” then you are using a dysphemism to express your discontent.
• To emphasize negative aspects: You can use dysphemism to emphasise aspects of something you don’t like (e.g., criticizing the suspension of a car by calling it a “boneshaker”).
• To show familiarity or friendship: Calling a friend or relative an “old fool” might seem rude, but this use of dysphemism is affectionate.

Dysphemism examples

Dysphemisms can be used for humorous, rhetorical, or inflammatory reasons, depending on the context.

Dysphemism examples in literature

In Frank McCourt’s memoir, Angela’s Ashes, he describes a warning from his mother to her children about a trunk they brought from the US:

Shakespeare’s work is rich in insult and dysphemism, as this example from Romeo and Juliet shows. Juliet has just told her father that she does not want to marry Paris. His response is angry and bewildered:

Frequently asked questions about dysphemism

What are some common examples of dysphemism?

Calling an accountant a “bean counter” is an example of dysphemism. A dysphemism is a negative, derogatory, or insulting word or phrase used to replace a more standard term.

Dysphemisms are used to express strong emotions like anger or frustration (e.g., describing an administrator as a “pencil pusher,” or a hotel as a “hellhole”). They also have a humorous side (e.g., sending a birthday card calling the recipient an “old codger”).

Other common examples include:

• Quack or sawbones [doctor]
• Hack or scribbler [journalist]
• Ambulance chaser [lawyer]
• Gym bunny [fitness enthusiast]
• Shrink [psychiatrist]

What is the opposite of euphemism?

The opposite of euphemism is dysphemism. It is much less common and it means using a word or phrase for something that is negative or critical (e.g., “bean counter” for an accountant).

Sometimes it is used humorously (e.g., calling a friend an “old codger” on their birthday), but most often it is negative and sometimes hurtful.

Some common examples include:

• Quack or sawbones [doctor]
• Hack or scribbler [journalist]
• Ambulance chaser [lawyer]
• Gym bunny [fitness enthusiast]
• Shrink [psychiatrist]