The difference between Dysphemism and Pejorative

When used as nouns, dysphemism means the use of a derogatory, offensive or vulgar word or phrase to replace a (more) neutral original, whereas pejorative means a disparaging, belittling, or derogatory word or expression.


Pejorative is also adjective with the meaning: disparaging, belittling or derogatory.

check bellow for the other definitions of Dysphemism and Pejorative

  1. Dysphemism as a noun (uncountable):

    The use of a derogatory, offensive or vulgar word or phrase to replace a (more) neutral original.

  2. Dysphemism as a noun (countable):

    A word or phrase that is used to replace another in this way.

  1. Pejorative as an adjective:

    Disparaging, belittling or derogatory.

  1. Pejorative as a noun:

    A disparaging, belittling, or derogatory word or expression.