-ism

Usage

• aphorism

  An aphorism is a short, witty statement that contains a wise idea.

• euphemism

  A euphemism is a polite synonym or expression that people use to avoid talking directly about something that might be unpleasant or embarrassing.

• neologism

  A neologism is a new word or expression in a language or an existing word used with a new meaning.

• malapropism

  A malapropism is an unintentional and usually humorous mistake you make when you use a word that sounds similar to the word you actually intended to use but means something completely different.

• archaism

  the use of an archaic expression

• colloquialism

  a colloquial expression

• vulgarism

  an offensive or indecent word or phrase

• witticism

  a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter