Pejorative
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A word or phrase is '''pejorative''' if it implies [[contempt]] or disapproval. The adjective ''pejorative'' is synonymous with '''''derogatory''''', '''''derisive''''', and '''''dyslogistic''''' ([[antonym]]s: ''meliorative'', ''eulogistic'', noun ''eulogism''). Dyslogisms such as "pea-brain" and "bottom-feeder" are words and phrases pejorative in nature. Although ''pejorative'' means much the same thing as ''[[term of disparagement|disparaging]]'', the latter term may be applied to a look or [[gesture]] as well; in the evocative language of [[gesture]], it may not be easy to distinguish a disparaging gesture from a dismissive or merely [[skepticism|skeptical]] one, however. | A word or phrase is '''pejorative''' if it implies [[contempt]] or disapproval. The adjective ''pejorative'' is synonymous with '''''derogatory''''', '''''derisive''''', and '''''dyslogistic''''' ([[antonym]]s: ''meliorative'', ''eulogistic'', noun ''eulogism''). Dyslogisms such as "pea-brain" and "bottom-feeder" are words and phrases pejorative in nature. Although ''pejorative'' means much the same thing as ''[[term of disparagement|disparaging]]'', the latter term may be applied to a look or [[gesture]] as well; in the evocative language of [[gesture]], it may not be easy to distinguish a disparaging gesture from a dismissive or merely [[skepticism|skeptical]] one, however. | ||
- | Pejorative expressions that are not inherently dyslogisms may also be used in a non-pejorative way, however, and determining the intent of the speaker is problematic — as with any implied meaning. Conversely, a common rhetorical ploy is to apply "pejorative" to a factual descriptor — as "toxic" might be applied to poison — and then decry it as "pejorative" to suit the agenda of those defending the substance as harmless. {{GFDL}} | + | Pejorative expressions that are not inherently dyslogisms may also be used in a non-pejorative way, however, and determining the intent of the speaker is problematic — as with any implied meaning. Conversely, a common rhetorical ploy is to apply "pejorative" to a factual descriptor — as "toxic" might be applied to poison — and then decry it as "pejorative" to suit the agenda of those defending the substance as harmless. |
+ | |||
+ | ==See also== | ||
+ | * [[Bully]] | ||
+ | * [[Dysphemism]] | ||
+ | * [[Euphemism treadmill]] | ||
+ | * [[Historical linguistics]] | ||
+ | * [[Hypocoristic]], a pet name (antonym) | ||
+ | * [[List of ethnic slurs]] | ||
+ | * [[Pejorative suffix]] | ||
+ | * [[Taunt]] | ||
+ | * [[Lists of disparaging terms for people]] | ||
+ | * [[Ethnic slur]] | ||
+ | * [[Hate speech]] | ||
+ | * [[Taboo]] | ||
+ | {{GFDL}} |
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A word or phrase is pejorative if it implies contempt or disapproval. The adjective pejorative is synonymous with derogatory, derisive, and dyslogistic (antonyms: meliorative, eulogistic, noun eulogism). Dyslogisms such as "pea-brain" and "bottom-feeder" are words and phrases pejorative in nature. Although pejorative means much the same thing as disparaging, the latter term may be applied to a look or gesture as well; in the evocative language of gesture, it may not be easy to distinguish a disparaging gesture from a dismissive or merely skeptical one, however.
Pejorative expressions that are not inherently dyslogisms may also be used in a non-pejorative way, however, and determining the intent of the speaker is problematic — as with any implied meaning. Conversely, a common rhetorical ploy is to apply "pejorative" to a factual descriptor — as "toxic" might be applied to poison — and then decry it as "pejorative" to suit the agenda of those defending the substance as harmless.
See also
- Bully
- Dysphemism
- Euphemism treadmill
- Historical linguistics
- Hypocoristic, a pet name (antonym)
- List of ethnic slurs
- Pejorative suffix
- Taunt
- Lists of disparaging terms for people
- Ethnic slur
- Hate speech
- Taboo