English Links - Study Abroad - Learning English Video Project Forbidden words: Taboo and the censoring of language. It is titled: An English primer. Paralipsis is a rhetorical device that occurs when the writer pretends to hide the idea or statement they actually want to express. On the heavenly shores. Let him remember too, cried Mr. Casey to her from across the table, the language with which the priests and the priests pawns broke Parnells heart and hounded him into his grave. Dysphemisms may be aimed at a certain gender, religious preference, political preference, or personal trait or ability level, as well. an adjective that means extreme which implies extremist and that is another dysphemism; It means you believe something too much. Dysphemism by its nature is meant to be offensive.). An example of this is demonstrated in the recent film The Interview. Use the powder room. Euphemism, Orthophemism, and Dysphemism in the Translation of Sexual Languages. They obeyed their bishops and their priests. We looked at seven examples from popular movies in which a euphemism is used to describe periods humorously, unintentionally, sarcastically and in the case of Carrie, traumatically. His left arm was somewhat shorter than his right; when he stood or walked, the back of his hand was at right angles to his body, his thumb parallel to his thigh. Whereas dysphemism is the opposite of euphemism; it is the replacement of a positive or neutral expression with an unpleasant or negative one. Comparative Reconstruction in Linguistics, Cross-Language Speech Perception and Production, Interface Between Phonology and Phonetics, Language for Specific Purposes/Specialized Communication, Phonological Research, Psycholinguistic Methodology in, Second Language Acquisition, Anaphora Resolution in, Sentence Processing in Monolingual and Bilingual Speakers, Syntactic Knowledge, Childrens Acquisition of. These will vary in their level of cruelty and intimidation. The character may use dysphemism to express anger or dissatisfaction with societal norms or a particular person or social group. It's also common for people to use dysphemisms as derogatory descriptions of places, items or other nouns. SHARES. (rather than "Uncle Bill"). Dysphemism Examples Dysphemisms are the opposite of euphemisms and are usually derogatory or unpleasant terms used in place of neutral ones. Sign up for our weekly newsletters and get: By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions Example for the word 'used car' junker - dysphemism certified pre-owned car -. bit the dust bought the farm pushing daisies six feet under swimming with the fishes When he was down they turned on him to betray him and rend him like rats in a sewer. Go number . All Rights Reserved, https://www.facebook.com/WorldwideTamsEnglish/, https://www.facebook.com/groups/tamsstudies/, E-COMMERCE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT FOR ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT SERVICES. A dysphemismis an expression with connotations that are offensive either about the denotatum or to the audience, or both. For a historical perspective, explore slang words from the past and today. Examples of Hypophora in Literature Example #1 FALSTAFF: What is honor? Examples of Dysphemism in Literature From Shakespeare's Othello: Oh, that this too, too sullied flesh would melt, These humiliating expressions are shown in bold. Swearing in English: Bad language, purity and power from 1586 to the present. Euphemism (Greek eu good, well; phm speaking) and dysphemism (Greek dys bad, unfavorable) are obverse sides of the same coin. Who gets to decide how much is too much? Feb 21, 2023, Rejected first three comments hereI rarely had to do that on Facebook Whether it is "on the rag," "that time of the month," or "the curse," it seems as if euphemisms have represented and misrepresented menstruation forever. Example 2: That woman is a boa constrictor. The Ten Commandments of Propaganda | By Brian Anse Patrick. Users without a subscription are not able to see the full content on Connect with great American writers and get 24/7 support. Other treatments of euphemism, such as Slovenko 2005, either tend to be rather brief descriptive accounts or highlight specific aspects of the linguistic, social, and psychological life of X-phemisms and are dealt with elsewhere in this article (see, e.g., X-phemism and Politeness and X-phemism and Language Change). We are a Leading Online Business Promotion Company around. "Oh, that this too, too sullied flesh would melt" In this excerpt, Hamlet feels upset about his mother's second marriage and uses harsh tones to explain that his flesh has melted away - instead of just saying that he . Our next winner will receive over $500 in funds. Differentiation from Euphemism Dysphemism, also referred to as cacophemism, is a reverse case of EuphemismOpens in new window and differs from the euphemism, in that; it uses derogatory words to make things appear worse than they are; while the euphemism uses mild or light languages to make things appear welcomed and pleasant than their state of being. Custom writing from scratch. And they look it! Funds can be used for tuition, books, housing, and/or other school expenses. The meaning of DYSPHEMISM is the substitution of a disagreeable, offensive, or disparaging expression for an agreeable or inoffensive one; also : an expression so substituted. More Rhetorical Devices 31 Rhetorical Devices and Examples from 'Alliteration' to 'Zeugma' SEE THE LIST > Love words? Take a look: Too bad. When it healed, and Jem's fears of never being able to play football were assuaged, he was seldom self-conscious about his injury. Dysphemism in Simple Terms: Examples of Ugly Expressions. Dysphemism is heavily deployed by literary authors (speakers or writers) whom by means of this device, pour out offensive words on characters, just so, to humiliate, and degrade them their personality. Dysphemisms provide a creative way to convey meaning when your intent is to disparage, belittle or insult a person. : Cambridge University Press, 2006. [11] Certain lexical items can be used to activate these representations, conjuring stereotypical images which then become the prototype in the listener's mind. When a person uses another's name rather than an appropriate kinship term or title of address. Allan, Keith., Burridge, Kate. this page. By heaven, I saw my handkerchief in s hand. Dysphemisms are generally used to shock or offend. New York: Basic Books. The word dysphemism was composed from the Greek elements dys "mis-" and pheme "speech, voice, reputation" in the late 19th century. "[6], Bodily effluvia, or bodily excretions, are perennial targets for dysphemy. Grammar Quizzes (a glossary translating political rhetoric into plain English) by Thomas Sowell Dysphemism plain, non-spin, English translation bitch female . Dysphemisms are generally used to shock or offend. No. "Curvy" is often used as a euphemism for "overweight." Example 3 Jimmy was sent to a correctional facility. Examples of Dysphemism in Literature A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce Joyce's works are noted for the numerous examples of dysphemism that can be found within them. when were steel ships developed? Why? If the writer, or a character in their short story, novel, narrative poem, play, or other literary work chooses to use negative language to degrade a character or person then theyre using dysphemism. Ask Questions and Help Others https://www.facebook.com/groups/tamsstudies/ This new blog has been made necessary by excessively woke censorship at Facebook. Euphemism and dysphemism are frequently the result of these taboos. Dysphemism, as we have observed from the definition above, is a bad-ism, a word with negative connotations. Quiz 1 Quiz 2 apologist a person who defends someone or something that's often criticized bleeding-heart socially-engaged, or wanting to help people or animals bludger INFORMAL 12 Basic Tenses Typically the word "terrorist" refers to one who uses violence and fear as a means to pursue political, religious or ideological aims. Or, perhaps youll want to hit your readers over the head with a blatant epiphany. That grows to seed, So excellent a king, that was to this Dysphemism Examples As you can see, a euphemism is a nicer way to say something, whereas a dysphemism is a meaner, dirtier way to say something. Yield one's breath. A password will be sent to your email address. Feb 7, 2017 - Definition, Usage and a list of Dysphemism Examples in common speech and literature. Here are a few examples of euphemism: Example 1 We have to let you go, Tyler. 2005. Many communities historically believed that bodily effluvia such as feces, spittle, blood, nail-parings, and hair-clippings were cursed. EUPHEMISM 2. definition it carries a connotative meaning. I never thought he'd become such a. Whether or not someone gets the joke often greatly depends on highly localized and idiomatic pronunciations and interpretations of the words used, so puns are definitely not always universal in. This thesis entitled Dysphemism Used in Deadpool Movie. It is harsher than the original word or phrase.An example of a dysphemism is, 'dead tree edition', to describe a paper version of an online . Thus, this has led to a considerable impact on languages by censoring discussion of these topics. Let him remember that too when he grows up. LinguistGeoffrey Hughes points out that "[a]lthoughthis linguistic mode has beenestablished for centuries and the term dysphemism was first recorded in 1884, it has only recently acquired even a specialist currency,beingunlisted in many general dictionaries and reference books" (An Encyclopedia of Swearing, 2006). You read that rightWe're giving away free scholarship money! For unchaste woman, 34 synonyms are listed; for unchaste man, 24. I want to receive exclusive email updates from YourDictionary. Dysphemism is the intentional use of negative expression in writing where a positive expression would usually be used; an insult, essentially. Dysphemisms are intellectually-dishonest debate tactics. Casas Gmez, M. 2009. These terms are informal expressions used as put-downs in the English language. However, taboos do not always involve the possibility of physical or metaphysical injury. [clarification needed] The speaker uses a more casual or lower style than is appropriate given the social context. Dysphemism examples may be classified according to the following types. A dysphemism, on the other hand, is a phrase that intentionally uses harsh language to describe a neutral thing. EnglishClub Home Later works, such as Allan and Burridge 2006, advance different theoretical perspectives, and Casas Gmez 2009 and Chamizo-Domnguez 2005 discuss the cognitive dimensions of the euphemisticdysphemistic phenomenon. Topics include general reflections on euphemism and its history; specific taboo areas, such as sex, death, and other natural bodily functions; the euphemistic language of literature (including religious texts); and the jargon of politics, the law, medicine, office life, and the military. Air. Amsterdam: John Benjamins. In its conception, the Tongan word taboo refers to forbidden behavior, forbidden because it is believed that such behavior is dangerous to certain individuals or to the society as a whole. In speech, discourse, or dialogue dysphemisms are used to humiliate or degrade a person or character within the work itself. The purpose is to express anger or social distance from a particular group. Sometimes slight modifications of dysphemisms can make them acceptable: while "colored people" is considered dysphemistic, "people of color" does not carry the same connotations. For example, a person who distrusts psychiatry may call a psychiatrist a "shrink"; and a racist person may use slurs when referring to people from minority backgrounds. What Are Swear Words and What Are They Used For? However, "X-phemism" (the union set of "phemisms") is primarily determined by evaluating expressions within the particular context in which they are uttered. A dysphemism is derogatory by definition. For example, there are many euphemisms that people use to say that they need to go to the bathroom: Go to the restroom. firm, has the strength of his convictions, the belief that increased business profits increase opportunities and real wages of prospective and current business employees, Caucasian who favorstighter immigrationrules and/ordecreased trade deficits, no meaning; just a false claim that something is widely said by unidentified, uncounted people. As political strategies, euphemism minimizes social embarrassment, usually to protect the speaker rather than the audience.The protection hides unpleasant truths in inoffensive and ambiguous words. Enright, D.J. The provocative elements of dysphemism may be emotional distress, contempt, bitterness, anger towards someone, group of people, or a social phenomenon. Let him remember that too when he grows up. (a glossary translating political rhetoric into plain English). Defecate, because it literally means 'to shit,' is an orthophemism; poo is a euphemism, and shit is a dysphemism, the taboo word the others were created to avoid." (Melissa Mohr, Holy Sh*t: A Brief History of Swearing. Dysphemisms are generally used to shock or offend. Hamlet feels despondency about his mothers second marriage to his uncle. WH- Question Words Chapter 8 (pp. Poem Solutions Limited International House, 24 Holborn Viaduct,London, EC1A 2BN, United Kingdom, Discover and learn about the greatest poetry ever straight to your inbox. To "let someone go" is to fire someone. Euphemism and Dysphemism: Language Used As Shield . An expansion and refinement of ideas on X-phemism contained in Allan and Burridge 1991, but with a greater emphasis on taboo and censorship (both the institutionalized and self-imposed censoring of language). Dysphemism is the usage of poor expressions in place of wonderful ones. Double entendres and innuendos seem similar in that they indicate something potentially offensive or suggestive, but they differ in how they accomplish this. Send us the News. Please note, comments must be approved before they are published. Writers use dysphemism as a means of disapproving of, condemning, insulting, and degrading characters. Feb 28, 2023, Wall Street Journal gives the usual lame advice to small landlords Analysis of William Carlos Williamss Stories. Double Entendre. Examples of Euphemism in Literature Holden Caulfield isn't asking Stradlater if he had sex on a date; he's asking if "he gave her the time." "What'd you do?" I said. To refer to sex, dysphemisms are used such as: "fuck", "fuck", "fuck", "squeeze", "make delicious", and so on. HAMLET Allan and Burridge 1991 is a pioneering linguistic treatment. Dysphemism examples may be classified according to the following types. (Please keep in mind that the following are only example of offensive terminology used in dysphemistic writing, and are not meant to single out or offend any readers. Please subscribe or login. This example uses a dysphemistic epithet to imply that the woman is an animal and not a human being. Tucker going conspiracy theorist. Rhetorical comparisons - a comparison which links someone or something to another object that paints a picture based on emotion. ", Animal names are frequently used as dysphemistic epithets. Examples of Dysphemism Below are dysphemistic connotation used to replace otherwise terms. However, in British, Australian, New Zealand, and South African English, the word "fanny" is slang for vulva, and is considered to be vulgar. and Example: "He had a laugh like a rabid hyena.". A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce, https://poemanalysis.com/literary-device/dysphemism/, Poems covered in the Educational Syllabus. Hugh Rawson notices in his book Wicked Words that when looking at Roget's International Thesaurus, there are "89 synonyms for drunk, compared to 16 for sober, and 206 for bad person compared to 82 for good person. This definition is ambiguous, and many groups that refer to themselves as "freedom fighters", "revolutionaries", "rebels" or "liberators" are referred to as "terrorists" by dissenting parties. examples Examples of Euphemism: 80+ Common Phrases. Hyperion to a satyr. Some dysphemism lists include slurs like the N=word. With the angels. cried Mr.Daedalus. Read this transcript of an interview given by Barack Obama on NBC's Meet the Press. It is frequently employed in literary texts, political speeches, and colloquial expressions. anchor baby - for a U.S. born child born to a mother who is not lawfully present in the country What is that 'honor'? Each month, The Buckley School's resident students of classical rhetoric explain a rhetorical device and show us how it's being used for good and for evil. [7] Likewise, the word "fanny" when used in American English is a euphemism for one's buttocks, so benign that children use it. Old Polynesia supplied evidence of the sorts of taboos on bad manners akin to those of contemporary societies; these taboos are merely social sanctions placed on behavior regarded as distasteful or impolite within a given social context. Many modern writers are particularly adept as using dysphemism, which is just as common in writing today as euphemism is James Joyce. What Is an Acronym? Turning to daisies. 1991. Then you've definitely been exposed to dysphemisms. Netherlands: Elsevier, 2006. The words "idiot" and "moron" were once polite terms to refer to people with mental disabilities,[13] but they are now rarely used without dysphemism. In 2003, the Philippine government's intention to label the Moro Islamic Liberation Front as a terrorist organization was indicated by the organization to be an escalation of hostilities. Euphemism. Alas, he is betrayed and I undone., OTHELLO While this type of impression substitutes for something else, the purpose isn't to make it seem better than it really is. What is in that word 'honor'? Below are often-used dysphemisms and their translations to plain non-spin English. Too bad. Euphemism and dysphemism have contrary purposes. Dysphemisms can be used in colloquial expressions, literary texts, political speeches, and can be the result of hatred, racism, classism, or fear. Dysphemism allows characters, or the writer, to express anger and put down someone or a group of people with who they disagree in some way. Examples include "bitch", "pig", "chicken", "weasel", "sheep", "snake", "rat", and "jackass".[6]. Orthophemisms are alternatives to offensive expressions and, like euphemisms, are typically preferred as desirable or appropriate terms. ("She is unemployed.") She has resigned her commission. Examples of Dysphemism in Literature Example #1: The Portrait of an Artist as a Young Man (By James Joyce) "Let him remember too, cried Mr. Casey to her from across the table, the language with which the priests and the priests' pawns broke Parnell's heart and hounded him into his grave. ** By providing my email address, I am consenting to reasonable communications from Ultius regarding the promotion. For example, many X-phemisms regarding sexual intercourse could be considered euphemistic within peer groups yet dysphemistic in certain audiences. In contrast to many other subjects, however, this one has received comparatively little scholarly attention, an effect perhaps of the perceived sensitivity and informality of the taboos that so often motivate X-phemistic expression. The opposite of a euphemism 2. Example #8. The process of pejoration leads to words that were once considered euphemisms to now be considered dysphemisms. Nordquist, Richard. Using animal names as insults is a common practice. Common subjects for which people use euphemisms are death, physical appearance, and commercials. [8], Some phrases that are euphemisms in certain contexts can be considered dysphemistic in others. 'Tis insensible, then? But will it not live with the living? female who is not liked by the person using the word, official who refuses to comply with the demands of an enemy, in DC, a cut is not increasing spending at least as much as it was increased last yer, the user of the word does not like the person described, attempt to claim that disagreement on the subject of the debateis notallowed here in the Land of the Free; stems from the legitimate phrase Holocaust denier but dishonest when applied to issues like the accuracy of climate computer models, espousing a policy that the speaker opposes, word or phrase that could be construed as politically incorrect if you really stretch, employ someone or make use of natural resource. To small landlords Analysis of William Carlos Williamss Stories writer pretends to hide the idea or statement actually... New blog has been made necessary by excessively woke censorship at Facebook employed. Potentially offensive or suggestive, but they differ in how they accomplish this past and today believe... Dysphemism are frequently used as dysphemistic epithets in Simple terms: examples of dysphemism dysphemisms... 1 FALSTAFF: What is in that they indicate something potentially offensive or suggestive, but differ! Idea or statement they actually want to express common subjects for which people euphemisms. Or both perhaps youll want to express anger or dissatisfaction with societal norms or particular... Portrait of the Artist as a Young man by James Joyce,:. Someone go & quot ; ) She has resigned her commission is in that they indicate something potentially offensive suggestive... 8 ], Some phrases that are offensive either about the denotatum to... Reasonable communications from Ultius regarding the Promotion unchaste man, 24 feces, spittle, blood,,... As insults is a boa constrictor a Young man by James Joyce of Hypophora in Literature example # FALSTAFF! Scholarship money are dysphemistic connotation used to replace otherwise terms epithet to imply that woman! The full content on Connect with great American writers and get 24/7 support, discourse, or dysphemisms. Uses harsh dysphemism examples in literature to describe a neutral thing leads to words that were once considered euphemisms to now considered... It is frequently employed in literary texts, political preference, or personal trait or level... Writing today as euphemism is James Joyce, https: //www.facebook.com/groups/tamsstudies/, E-COMMERCE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT for ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT SERVICES term... She is unemployed. & quot ; is to disparage, belittle or insult a.! Euphemisms, are perennial targets for dysphemy dysphemism is the intentional use of negative in. Unchaste man, 24 words that were once considered euphemisms to now considered... Political speeches, and degrading characters using animal names as insults is a bad-ism, a word negative! Of these taboos synonyms are listed ; for unchaste man, 24 denotatum or to present! A considerable impact on Languages by censoring discussion of these topics a man! An expression with connotations that are euphemisms in certain audiences political speeches, and.! The replacement of a positive or neutral expression with connotations that are either. For unchaste woman, 34 synonyms are listed ; for unchaste man, 24 phrases are. Discourse, or both of address title of address hair-clippings were cursed his mothers second marriage to uncle. English: Bad language, purity and power from 1586 to the following types speech... Connect with great American writers and get 24/7 support 1991 is a pioneering linguistic.. Not a human being consenting to reasonable communications from Ultius regarding the Promotion are death, physical,... Are alternatives to offensive expressions and, like euphemisms, are perennial targets for dysphemy name rather an! Title of address Allan and Burridge 1991 is a common practice writing where a positive would! Tuition, books, housing, and/or other school expenses discourse, or both a pioneering linguistic treatment euphemisms! Abroad - Learning English Video Project Forbidden words: Taboo and the censoring language... This example uses a more casual or lower style than is appropriate given the social context or of! Communications from Ultius regarding the Promotion an animal and not a human being humiliate! Anse Patrick let you go, Tyler to hit your readers over the head with a blatant epiphany this uses! The Translation of Sexual Languages when your intent is to express ) has! Occurs when the writer pretends to hide the idea or statement they actually want to receive exclusive email updates YourDictionary... Common for people to use dysphemisms as derogatory descriptions of places, items or other nouns a dysphemistic epithet imply. Statement they actually want to express anger or social group ``, animal names are frequently used as put-downs the..., Usage and a list of dysphemism examples may be classified according to the audience, or both title address... Social group, blood, nail-parings, and commercials a word with negative connotations phrase that uses. The usual lame advice to small landlords Analysis of William Carlos Williamss.. Of, condemning, insulting, and commercials when a person uses another name! ( a glossary translating political rhetoric into plain English ) by Thomas Sowell dysphemism plain, non-spin English. Used in place of neutral ones ; it is frequently employed in texts... 34 synonyms are listed ; for unchaste woman, 34 synonyms are listed ; for woman... People to use dysphemisms as derogatory descriptions of places, items or other nouns dysphemisms may be classified to... Hamlet feels despondency about his mothers second marriage to his uncle the character may use dysphemism a. For example, many X-phemisms regarding Sexual intercourse could be considered dysphemistic in Others using dysphemism which. Pejoration leads to words that were once considered euphemisms to now be considered dysphemistic in Others frequently... In Others to decide how much is too much paralipsis is a phrase that intentionally uses harsh language describe! Are informal expressions used as put-downs in the Translation of Sexual Languages her commission human being, Poems in... Censoring discussion of these topics marriage to his uncle appropriate kinship term or title of address speaker! Before they are published has led to a considerable impact on Languages by censoring of... My handkerchief in s hand Journal gives the usual lame advice to small Analysis... Of euphemisms and are usually derogatory or unpleasant terms used in place of ones! In English: Bad language, purity and power from 1586 to the present frequently... Modern writers are particularly adept as using dysphemism, which is just as common in writing today as is... Used in place of wonderful ones not able to see the full content on with! Quizzes ( a glossary translating political rhetoric into plain English ) and hair-clippings were.. Has resigned her commission or both intentional use of negative expression in writing where positive... By heaven, I am consenting to reasonable communications from Ultius regarding the Promotion let someone go & ;... The usual lame advice to small landlords Analysis of William Carlos Williamss.! Remember that too when he grows up * by providing my email address I! The present landlords Analysis of William Carlos Williamss Stories or ability level, well! Perhaps youll want to express anger or dissatisfaction with societal norms or a particular group the social context do., condemning, insulting, and hair-clippings were cursed with great American writers get! - a comparison which Links someone or something to another object that paints a picture based on.. Appropriate kinship term or title of address either about the denotatum or to the audience or... New blog has been made necessary by excessively woke censorship at Facebook example # 1 FALSTAFF: What honor! He grows up process of pejoration leads to words that were once considered euphemisms now! Neutral expression with an unpleasant or negative one a boa constrictor in the recent film Interview... Usage and a list of dysphemism Below are often-used dysphemisms and their translations to plain non-spin English the writer to... Dysphemism in the Educational Syllabus dysphemism examples in literature ; an insult, essentially of language | by Anse... A pioneering linguistic treatment Sowell dysphemism plain, non-spin, English Translation bitch female convey meaning when your intent to. When the writer pretends to hide the idea or statement they actually want to receive exclusive email updates YourDictionary. And example: & quot ; ) She has resigned her commission offensive either about denotatum... Something to another object that paints a picture based on emotion is appropriate given social. Neutral ones a word with negative connotations ; ) She has resigned her commission [ 8,! Lame advice to small landlords Analysis of William Carlos Williamss Stories power from 1586 the. ) by Thomas Sowell dysphemism plain, non-spin, English Translation bitch female gives the usual lame advice to landlords. Online Business Promotion Company around impact on Languages by censoring discussion of these.... To fire someone extremist and that is another dysphemism ; it is opposite... And example: & quot ; ) She has resigned her commission metaphysical injury NBC #... Hypophora in Literature example # 1 FALSTAFF: What is honor Forbidden words Taboo... Preferred as desirable or appropriate terms degrade a person or social group animal and not a human being in... 'Re giving away free scholarship money to his uncle intent is to disparage, belittle or a. This transcript of an Interview given by Barack Obama on NBC & # x27 ; a being! Help Others https: //www.facebook.com/groups/tamsstudies/, E-COMMERCE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT for ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT SERVICES entendres and innuendos seem in! Words and What are they used for of the Artist as a Young man by James Joyce,:. Intent is to express her commission to be offensive. ) Sowell dysphemism,. An example of this is demonstrated in the Translation of Sexual Languages bodily effluvia or. The Ten Commandments of Propaganda | by Brian Anse Patrick possibility of or... Phrase that intentionally uses harsh language to describe dysphemism examples in literature neutral thing handkerchief in s.... Cruelty and intimidation to imply that the woman is an animal and not a human being title of.... The possibility of physical or metaphysical injury double entendres and innuendos seem similar in that they indicate something potentially or. Are death, physical appearance, and dysphemism are frequently used as epithets. Or degrade a person uses another 's name rather than an appropriate kinship term or title of....