THE USAGE OF DYSPHEMISM IN COLLOQUIAL SPEECH

Abstract

The article scrutinizes the major characteristic features of dysphemisms. The stylistic notions of euphemism, periphrasis, vulgar word, profanity, slang have been compared and contrasted with dysphemism. Their similar and distinctive features have been revealed and analyzed in this study. It has been revealed that vulgar words reflect a meaning related to naked body parts (genitals) or the actions pertaining to them and the persons doing these actions. However, dysphemisms don’t have such a content. Both dysphemisms and vulgar word serve to humilate somebody or something.  It has been noted that  dysphemism and periphrasis resemble to each other at the first sight. The difference between them is that dysphemism serves to humilate somebody or something while periphrasis does not always own such a quality.  In general, periphrasis hosts both euphemisms and dysphemisms.