Abstract Dysphemism is a colloquial linguistic phenomenon characterized by the use of terms with offensive connotations (Allan/Burridge 1991), whose dysphemistic value depends on the sociocultural context in which they occur. Following Díaz Pérez (2012), a dysphemism can only be considered as such to the extent that speakers of a given community perceive it that way. Since this field of study still presents significant unknowns, this research analyzes over 250 samples collected through an online questionnaire concerning speakers’ attitudes and perceptions toward this linguistic phenomenon. This study has made it possible to identify, among other sociolinguistic aspects, the specific dysphemisms and linguistic taboos (as defined by Casas Gómez, 1986) regarded as most offensive by each age group, while also expanding on Zimmermann’s (2005) observation that, certain contexts, dysphemisms serve functions beyond merely offending and may even be socially accepted. Ultimately, this study highlights the dissonance between attitudes toward dysphemisms and their actual use, as well as how awareness of the implications of certain expressions has evolved over time.
Claudia Revilla Gutiérrez (Wed,) studied this question.