n.
Pronunciation: ' dis-f ə - ˌ mi-z ə m
Function: noun
Etymology: dys- + -phemism (as in euphemism )
Date: 1884
: the substitution of a disagreeable, offensive, or disparaging expression for an agreeable or inoffensive one also : an expression so substituted
– dys · phe · mis · tic \ ˌ dis-f ə - ' mis-tik \ adjective