Dystmesis

Techniques > Use of language > Figures of speech > Dystmesis

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

Dystmesis is the insertion of one word into the middle of another word.

Example

Fan-bloody-tastic!

Congrat-amazing-ulations, young man.

I lovely-ove it!

Discussion

Dystmesis implies that the speaker is so overcome with emotions they have lost some control over language or otherwise cannot find the words to express how strongly they feel, and thus have to invent a new word.

Insertion words are often swear words and effectively add the strong emotion that is often associated with them.

Dystmesis is often culturally bound, being found more often in some parts of society rather than others.

Classification: Distortion, Amplification