Sorry if I spelt that wrong, but I know the opposite has the definition 'to make things sound coarser', but don't remeber the word.
Help! It's Important.
2007-02-12 20:47:51 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Main Entry: euphemism
Antonyms: crass term, crude term, DYSPHEMISM
dysphemism is the substitution of a disagreeable word or phrase for a neutral or positive one (also a word or phrase so substituted); it is the opposite of euphemism
2007-02-12 20:52:14 · answer #1 · answered by sirius_the_grim 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Usually, a word that begins with eu- has an opposite that begins with dys- . Is there a "dysphemism"? Looks okay written, but sounds awful lol.
Before I read the comments part I was going to say slur
2007-02-12 21:04:52 · answer #2 · answered by and_y_knot 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A euphemism is a word or phrase that "tones" down the rather harsh qualities of a difficult word. For example there are many euphemisms for death; you often here about someone "passing away" rather than dying.
So the opposite of a euphemism is when the word or phrase that is used is chosen only for its accuracy and clarity rather than with regard to the side effects it might have. Arguably to describe someone as BLACK is much clearer that the euphemistic "Person of Colour" for example.
2007-02-12 21:00:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
dysphemism - this uses the "dys" prefix (i.e. bad) from the Greek as opposed to "eu"(good). A good place to find antonyms (words opposite in meaning) is a thesaurus, such as Wikisaurus online.
hope this helps - oh btw it is euphemism, lol
2007-02-12 21:17:37 · answer #4 · answered by liz p 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Opposite of a euphamism is Dyspheism: an unpleasant or unfortunate term.
2007-02-12 21:15:58 · answer #5 · answered by sakoia 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋