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Term for derogatory suffix used with city names?

English Language & Usage Asked by psl on December 20, 2020

When speaking of a city in negative terms one might attach a prefix/suffix to the city name. This nickname is a portmanteau that implies a derogatory tone. Most often this will be a negative term but can also be another geographic name. Is there a specialized term for this use? I’m particularly interested in a term for the geographic modifier case.

Examples:

  • I live in Spokcompton. (Spokane + Compton)
  • He lives in Fayettnam. (Fayetteville + Vietnam)
  • Hollyweird
  • Fithadelphia

One Answer

No, there is no extant word in English to use for this concept.

A possible neologism is

demodysphemism

a portmanteau of 'demonym', the name of a place, and 'dysphemism', derogatory term used for a neutral one.

Correct answer by Mitch on December 20, 2020

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