1. Euphemism & Dysphemism
Nicole Szmygielski

2. Euphemism
“A neutral or positive expression used in place of one that carries negative associations”.
Word or Statement with a positive connotation.
When “euphoric”, one is happy, or positive.

3. Examples Correctional Facility rather than prison
“You are hereby sentenced to six months in the Lincoln Correctional Facility.”
Sanitation Engineer rather than garbage man
“What do you do for a living?” “I am a sanitation engineer; have been for twelve years.”

4. Dysphemism
“…used to produce a negative effect on someone’s attitude about something, or to tone down the positive associations it may have”.
Word or Statement with a negative connotation.
Like “dissing” something.

5. Examples Cancer Stick rather than cigarette Croaked rather than dead
“Put that cancer stick away, I don’t want to smell it!”
Croaked rather than dead
“Did John finally croak?” “Yeah, took him long enough.”

6. Similar Fallacies
Sometimes, a good or horrible fact sounds like either a euphemism or dysphemism.
Lizzie killed her father with an ax.
Downplayers
An attempt to make something look less important or significant.
Depending on the way the statement is made, it could be either/or.
Sam is a so-called doctor. / Sam is an abysmal doctor!

7. Reference
Moore, B. N., Parker, R. (2014). Critical Thinking. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.
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