Dysphemisms Quiz

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Date:

Instructions: Blunt or harsh alternatives to polite expressions

1.
What is a 'dysphemism'?
A
A word that sounds like what it means
B
A deliberately harsh or blunt expression used instead of a polite one
C
A polite way of saying something unpleasant
D
A figure of speech that exaggerates
2.
Which of the following is a dysphemism for 'died'?
A
Departed
B
Resting in peace
C
Passed away
D
Kicked the bucket
3.
If a euphemism for a prison is a 'correctional facility,' which of these is a dysphemism?
A
Detention center
B
The slammer
C
Penitentiary
D
Holding facility
4.
What is the opposite of a dysphemism?
A
Hyperbole
B
Simile
C
Euphemism
D
Metaphor
5.
Which is a dysphemism for an old or used car?
A
Pre-owned vehicle
B
Classic automobile
C
Vintage ride
D
Beater
6.
'Pig' used to refer to a police officer is an example of:
A
A euphemism
B
An oxymoron
C
A palindrome
D
A dysphemism
7.
Which is a dysphemism for 'eating quickly'?
A
Having a quick bite
B
Dining briskly
C
Stuffing your face
D
Eating on the go
8.
The term 'bean counter' is a dysphemism for which profession?
A
Accountant
B
Chef
C
Cashier
D
Farmer
9.
Which is a dysphemism for 'inexpensive'?
A
Dirt cheap
B
Economical
C
Affordable
D
Budget-friendly
10.
The term 'crotch rocket' is a dysphemism for what?
A
A sport motorcycle
B
A type of firework
C
A children's toy
D
A fast car
11.
Which of these is a dysphemism for 'perspiring'?
A
Feeling warm
B
Glistening
C
Sweating like a pig
D
Glowing
12.
Why do people sometimes use dysphemisms in conversation?
A
For humor, emphasis, shock value, or to express strong disapproval
B
Because they don't know better words
C
Because euphemisms are illegal
D
Because dysphemisms are more grammatically correct
13.
'Snail mail' is a dysphemism for what?
A
Text messaging
B
Telegram
C
Traditional postal mail
D
Email
14.
Which is a dysphemism for a bureaucrat or government worker?
A
Pencil pusher
B
Government official
C
Civil employee
D
Public servant
15.
'Boneyard' is a dysphemism for which of the following?
A
A gym
B
A library
C
A cemetery
D
A playground

Answer Key

Question 1

B. A deliberately harsh or blunt expression used instead of a polite one

Question 2

D. Kicked the bucket

Question 3

B. The slammer

Question 4

C. Euphemism

Question 5

D. Beater

Question 6

D. A dysphemism

Question 7

C. Stuffing your face

Question 8

A. Accountant

Question 9

A. Dirt cheap

Question 10

A. A sport motorcycle

Question 11

C. Sweating like a pig

Question 12

A. For humor, emphasis, shock value, or to express strong disapproval

Question 13

C. Traditional postal mail

Question 14

A. Pencil pusher

Question 15

C. A cemetery

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