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Dysphemismus

dysphemism (harsh substitute expression)

noun dus-fe-MIS-mus Rare

Origin: from Greek dys- (bad) + pheme (speech)

Usage Note

Dysphemismus is the opposite of a Euphemismus: deliberately blunt or offensive language used for rhetorical effect. Political discourse sometimes uses Dysphemismen to provoke or stigmatise.

Examples

"Als Dysphemismus bezeichnet man Ausdrücke, die absichtlich grob oder verletzend klingen."

Natural Translation

Expressions that are deliberately crude or offensive are called dysphemisms.

Literal Translation

As dysphemism one designates expressions that intentionally crude or hurtful sound.

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