Dysphemism used in Green Day’s and Slipknot’s lyrics

ABSTRACT

Dysphemism is an expression with connotations that are offensive either about the denotatum or the audience. It is used to talk about one’s opponents, things one wishes to show disapproval of, and things one wishes to be seen to downgrade. The topic of dysphemism is rucial to investigate because dysphemism is the infraction of the rules of politeness that deals with the matters of face and face effects. This research is conducted in order to find the types, sources, styles and functions of dysphemism used in Greenday’s and Slipknot’s lyrics.

The primary source of data are Green Day’s and Slipknot’s lyrics which was searched in some official sites http://metrolyrics.com, www.greenday.com, and www.slipknot1.com, The secondary data is from interviewing the informants who have more understanding in lyrics interpretation and dysphemism. After the data are collected, they are arranged systematically to answer the problems of study. After the data are discussed and the findings are presented, the researcher makes the tentative conclusion of the study. After consulting it with the experts, the final conclusion and as the finding of the study is presented. Then final suggestions are proposed.

From this investigation, the researcher found seven types of dysphemism. First, taboo terms used as insults, epithets, and expletives. Second, profane swearing and profane oaths. Third, comparisons of people with animals that are conventionally ascribed certain behaviour. Fourth, dysphemistic epithets that pick on a real physical characteristic that are treated as though they are abnormalities. Fifth, imprecations and epithets invoking mental subnormality or derangement. Sixth, ist dysphemism used as insult. Seventh, terms of insult or disrespect, which invoke slurs on the target’s character. Furthermore, the researcher also found fourteen sources of dysphemism. Among of them are circumlocution, the usage of technical jargon or learned terms, hyperbole, metonymy, understatement, simile, omission, synecdoche general for specific, irony, the usage of term borrowed from another language, the usage of colloquial or common terms, clipping, synecdoche part for whole, and remodelling. While the style of dysphemism used in the whole Green Day’s and Slipknot’s lyrics are casual style. In addition, the researcher found tenth functions of dysphemism. First, insulting or teasing. Second, cursing. Third, expressing unconcern. Fourth, criticizing. Fifth, accusing or blaming. Sixth, refusing or denying. Seventh, convincing. Eighth, expressing defiance. Ninth, promising. Tenth, questioning.