Dysphemism

A dysphemism is an expression with connotations that are offensive either about the subject matter or to the audience, or both.

Cast member Lulu Roman "played" moonshine jugs (by which, she would blow air over the spout, creating a "humming sound"), which partially explains the sketch's title (as well as the fact that "jugs" is a dysphemism for breasts).

Cross-cultural dysphemism Various slang terms that are dysphemistic in one culture may not be if they hold a different meaning in another culture.

Dysphemism can be either offensive or merely ironic; cacophemism is deliberately offensive.

Dysphemisms contrast with neutral or euphemistic expressions. citation Dysphemism is sometimes motivated by feelings such as fear, distaste, hatred, and contempt.

Etymology The word dysphemism comes from the Greek dys δύς "mis-" and pheme φήμη "speech, voice, reputation".

Examples include "bitch", "pig", "chicken", "snake" and "rat". citation Euphemistic dysphemism A speaker may use a minced oath when wanting to swear (interjectionally) for emphasis without offending.

In that case it would appeal to the listener's positive face rather than damage it, and would thus not be a dysphemism.

Move from euphemism to dysphemism The process of pejoration leads to words that were once considered euphemisms to now be considered dysphemisms.

Name dysphemism When a person uses another's name rather than an appropriate kinship term or title of address.

There may also be instances in which conflicting definitions of the same word may lead to unintentional dysphemism.

The words " idiot " and " moron " were once polite terms to refer to people with mental disabilities, citation but they are now rarely used without dysphemism.