Definition:
A “dysphemism” is a derogatory or unpleasant term used instead of a more neutral or positive one. It is the opposite of a euphemism, which is a mild or pleasant term used in place of a harsh or blunt one. Dysphemisms are often used to insult, offend, or convey negative attitudes towards a subject.
A “euphemism” is a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh, blunt, or offensive.
Etymology:
The term “dysphemism” comes from the Greek words “dys,” meaning “bad” or “difficult,” and “pheme,” meaning “speech.” The concept has been discussed in linguistic studies for many years, although the specific term “dysphemism” gained prominence in the 20th century.
The term “euphemism” comes from the Greek word “euphēmismos,” which is derived from “euphēmos,” meaning “speaking well” or “auspicious.” This, in turn, comes from “eu,” meaning “good,” and “phēmi,” meaning “I speak.” The word has been used in English since the late 16th century.
Description:
“Dysphemism” is synonymous with “curse word.”
Examples of Dysphemisms:
- “Junkie” instead of “drug addict.”
- “Piss” instead of “urinate.”
- “Shit” instead of “feces.”
Euphemisms are often used by people when discussing topics that might be sensitive or unpleasant, such as death, bodily functions, or political issues.
Examples of Euphemisms:
- “Adult movie” instead of “pornographic movie.”
- “Civil War” instead of “war.”
- “Collateral damage” instead of “civilans killed” or “destruction” in a military context.
- “Depopulation” or “ethnic cleansing” instead of “genocide.”
- “Downsizing” instead of “firing employees.”
- “Enhanced interrogation” instead of “torture.”
- “Indentured servitude” instead of “slavery.”
- “Let go” instead of “fired.”
- “Negative patient outcome” instead of “death of a patient.”
- “Neutralize” instead of “kill” or “destroy.”
- “No-Fly Zone,” a designated area over which aircraft are not permitted to fly. This prohibition is usually enforced by military means, such as deploying fighter jets to patrol the area and potentially shoot down violators.
- “Passed away” instead of “died.”
- “Sleep together” instead of “have sex.”
- “Revenue enhancement” instead of “increasing taxes.”
Adding negativity to a word, just like adding positivity to a word, is fictional. It does not change the actual meaning of the word; it just says something about the opinion of the person using the word, or having a reaction to the word. It may change the perception of the gullible when they hear a word that sounds positive or negative, but it doesn’t have any effect on someone who does not believe in the supernatural power of words. Viewing words as positive or negative is damaging to the perception of what exists and what does not.
Religion:
Curse words and the act of cursing are often addressed in religious texts, usually in the context of moral guidance and societal norms.
- In the Bible, in Ephesians, chapter 4, verse 29 (KJV), it says: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
- In the Bible, in Matthew, chapter 5, verse 22 (KJV), Jesus warns: “But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.”
- In the Quran, Surah Al-Hujurat 49:11 (Sahih International), it says: “O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them. Nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one‘s] faith. And whoever does not repent – then it is those who are the wrongdoers.”
Euphemisms are sometimes found in religious texts.
- In the Bible, in John, chapter 11, verse 11, it says: “Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.” Here it is using the phrase “to sleep” as a euphemism for death.
- In the Bible, in Genesis, chapter 4, verse 1 (KJV), it says: “And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain.” Here “Knowing” someone is used as a euphemism for sexual relations.
- In the Bible, in Leviticus, chapter 15, verse 19 (NIV), it says: “When a woman has her regular flow of blood, the impurity of her monthly period will last seven days, and anyone who touches her will be unclean till evening.” Here “unclean” is used as a euphemism for menstruation.
- In the Quran 23:5-6, Sahih International, it says: “And those who guard their chastity, except from their wives or those their right hands possess.” Here “those the right hands possess” is used as a euphemism for slaves.