epithet

/ˌɛpəˈθɛt/

/ˈɛpɪθɛt/

Other forms: epithets

The noun epithet is a descriptive nickname, such as "Richard the Lionhearted," or "Tommy the Terrible." When it takes a turn for the worse, it can also be a word or phrase that offends.

Don’t let epithet’s bad reputation fool you — that’s only half the story. An epithet can be harmless, a nickname that catches on, like all hockey fans knowing that "Sid the Kid" is Sidney Crosby. On the flip side, an epithet can be an abusive word or phrase that should never be used, like a racial epithet that offends and angers everyone.

Definitions of epithet

1. noun

   descriptive word or phrase
   type of:

   characterisation, characterization, delineation, depiction, picture, word picture, word-painting

   a graphic or vivid verbal description
2. noun

   a defamatory or abusive word or phrase
   synonyms: name

   types:

   smear word

   an epithet that can be used to smear someone's reputation

   type of:

   calumniation, calumny, defamation, hatchet job, obloquy, traducement

   a false accusation of an offense or a malicious misrepresentation of someone's words or actions