dys·phe·mism
/ˈdisfəˌmizəm/
a derogatory or unpleasant term used instead of a pleasant or neutral one, such as “loony bin” for “mental hospital.”.
-
Why would we need a word for the person?– XanneCommented Mar 4, 2021 at 6:42
-
You should include the source of your definition.– KillingTimeCommented Mar 4, 2021 at 6:43
-
@KillingTime Done. Now OP just has to include an example sentence...– JustinCommented Mar 4, 2021 at 8:23
-
The dysphemic term for such a person is surely "asshole".– Canadian YankeeCommented Mar 4, 2021 at 16:09
Add a comment
|
1 Answer
The person is, among other things, a derider, a scorner. They may be described as a churl, a grouch, a curmudgeon.
Derider, from Deride = to laugh at in scorn or contempt; scoff or jeer at; mock
Scorner, from scorn = to treat with a great lack of respect
Curmudgeon = bad-tempered, difficult, cantankerous person
Sourpuss = individual who always has a sad or a negative outlook on issues
Churl = rude and mean-spirited person
Of these I suggest churl best captures your meaning.
-
I must have used and heard adjectival churlish with this sense thousands of times, but I doubt I've ever seen the underlying noun churl except as an archaic alternative to peasant / serf. Semantically it looks like an excellent choice here, but I suspect that if I say Don't be such a churl! instead of Don't be so churlish! next time the situation arises, I'll be met with some raised eyebrows. Commented Mar 4, 2021 at 13:03
-
@FumbleFingers thank you. I sympathise with your feelings about archaic, although google ngram shows a reasonably constant usage this last 100 years. I suspect I must have read too many Robin Hood stories in my childhood.– AntonCommented Mar 4, 2021 at 13:52