Pejorative

Pejorative (also called a derogatory term, a slur, a term of disparagement) is a word or grammatical form expressing a negative or a disrespectful connotation, a low opinion, or a lack of respect toward someone or something. It is also used to express criticism, hostility, or disregard. Sometimes, a term is regarded as pejorative in some social or ethnic groups but not in others, or may be originally pejorative and eventually be adopted in a non-pejorative sense (or vice versa) in some languages.

Etymology

The word pejorative comes from a Latin word peiorativus, which means 'worsening'. It is a derivative of the verb peiorare, which means 'to make or become worse'.

Usage

Pejorative terms are often used to belittle or express disapproval, and they can be based on a variety of social factors, such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or class. They can also be used to express political or ideological disagreement. The use of pejorative terms can have significant social and legal implications, and can be considered hate speech in certain contexts.

Examples

Examples of pejorative terms include racial slurs, sexist or homophobic language, and derogatory terms for people with disabilities. These terms are often used to insult or demean individuals or groups, and their use can be a form of discrimination or prejudice.

See also

• Dysphemism
• Insult
• Profanity
• Slur (disambiguation)

References

Pejorative Resources
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