Dysphemism

In language, both dysphemism (from the Greek “dys” δυς = non and “pheme'” φήμη = speech) and cacophemism (in Greek “cacos” κακός = bad) refer to the usage of an intentionally harsh word or expression instead of a polite one; they are rough opposites of euphemism. “Dysphemism” may be either offensive or merely humorously deprecating, while “cacophemism” is usually deliberately offensive. (More recently, the linguist Kate Burridge has coined the term "orthophemism," to refer to a neutral name or expression.) Dysphemism is related to "blasphemy," but is less focused in scope, and therefore not directly synonymous.

Examples of dysphemism include “dead tree edition” for the paper version of an online magazine, or the American military personnel’s use of “shit on a shingle” for their common breakfast of creamed chipped beef on toast.

Dysphemism is as common as euphemism in everyday usage. Few sports teams actually slaughter or annihilate one another, and while a losing team may be disappointed or angry, they are unlikely to be shattered; few companies actually crush their competition; no one is actually dumb as a box of rocks. See hyperbole.

Many of the same subjects can be dysphemized as euphemized, such as sex and death—a respected dead person may be said to have passed away, a disrespected one to be worm food or to have kicked the bucket. Oddly, some humorous expressions can be either euphemistic or dysphemic, depending on context, because terms which can be dysphemic can also be affectionate. For example, spanking the monkey might be used as either a softer alternative for “male masturbation,” or a more deliberately provocative one, depending on the audience. Likewise, pushing up daisies can be taken as either softer or harsher than “died.”