Les Jones

Nifty > Word of the Day: Dsyphesism

Antonym of euphemism

Main Entry: dys·phe·mism
Pronunciation: 'dis-f&-"mi-z&m
Function: noun
Etymology: dys- + -phemism (as in euphemism)
: the substitution of a disagreeable, offensive, or disparaging expression for an agreeable or inoffensive one; also : an expression so substituted
- dys·phe·mis·tic /"dis-f&-'mis-tik/ adjective

Via James Taranto.

The Associated Press reports that residents of Bennington, Vt., have voted down a ballot measure "capping the size of big-box retailers to 75,000 square feet." The rejection clears the way for the local Wal-Mart to expand to 112,000 square feet. We love this quote:

Alicia Romac of the pro-cap group Citizens for a Greater Bennington said she wished the decision had been left up to elected officials. "It's special interests interfering with what's best for the community process, and I don't think that's really the best way to run a government," she said.

Up in Vermont, it turns out, "special interests" is a dysphemism for "voters."