dysphemic (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Adjective

Phonetic Transcription

/dɪsˈfɛmɪk/

Meaning and Usage

The term "dysphemic" refers to the use of a more harsh, negative, or intolerable term in place of a neutral or positive one. It is often used in linguistics, especially in discussions surrounding language and communication. Dysphemic expressions are typically employed to convey disapproval, disdain, or to insult the subject in question.

This word comes from the medical term "dysphemia," which generally refers to speech disorders, but in this context refers to the choice of language that causes offense or discomfort.

Frequency of Use

"Dysphemic" is relatively less common in everyday conversation and is more likely encountered in academic, linguistic, or psychological contexts. It is used more in written contexts than in oral speech.

Example Sentences

1. The dysphemic remarks made during the debate were pointedly aimed at undermining the opponent's character.

2. Замечания в дисфемической форме во время дебатов были направлены на подрыв репутации оппонента.

3. His dysphemic choice of words reflected his frustration with the situation.

4. Его дисфемический выбор слов отражал его расстройство ситуацией.

5. The use of dysphemic expressions in social media often escalates conflicts rather than resolving them.

6. Использование дисфемических выражений в социальных сетях часто эскалирует конфликты, а не разрешает их.

Idiomatic Expressions

While "dysphemic" itself isn't part of a broad range of idiomatic expressions, it reflects a range of language phenomena where dysphemistic terms may pop up. Here are a few idiomatic expressions that show how dysphemic slang can modify perceptions:

1. "Calling a spade a spade" (to speak plainly and bluntly):
2. He always calls a spade a spade, even if it’s dysphemic, to make his point clear.

3. Он всегда называет вещи своими именами, даже если это дисфемично, чтобы донести свою мысль.

4. "Biting the bullet" (to endure a painful or difficult situation):

5. Sometimes, you just need to bite the bullet and make dysphemic comments to address the truth.

6. Иногда вам просто нужно укусить пулю и сделать дисфемические замечания, чтобы сказать правду.

7. "Throwing shade" (to insult someone indirectly):

8. She has a tendency for throwing shade with dysphemic phrases that can offend others.

9. У нее есть склонность к косвенным оскорблениям с помощью дисфемических фраз, которые могут задеть других.

10. "Calling someone out" (to challenge someone publicly):

11. He didn’t hesitate to call her out on her dysphemic language during their discussion.
12. Он не колебался вызвать ее на разговор по поводу ее дисфемического языка во время обсуждения.

Etymology

The word "dysphemic" is derived from "dysphemia," originating from the Greek prefix "dys-" meaning "bad" or "difficult," and "phēmē" meaning "saying" or "speech." Thus, it implies a form of speech characterized by its negative or offensive nature.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Pejorative - Derogatory - Disparaging

Antonyms: - Euphemistic - Polite - Diplomatic