the late unpleasantness
1. Any recent war, but used especially in reference to the American Civil War. The statue serves as a reminder of the late unpleasantness and the devastating effects it had on the community 150 years ago.
2. By extension, any recent controversial or divisive event or period. The book goes over the late unpleasantness of the last election, and the ructions it has caused across the country.
late unpleasantness
Euph. the U.S. Civil War. (Old.) The town courthouse was burned in the late unpleasantness. Many of my ancestors lost their lives in the late unpleasantness.
the late unpleasantness
the war that took place recently. This phrase was originally used of the American Civil War ( 1861–5 ).