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Pejorative, a term indicating disapproval or contempt, is language used negatively to evoke unfavorable feelings. Writers utilize it to criticize or convey hostility, often employing slurs or negative phrases. It serves to denounce or express disapproval of a person, idea, or concept, inducing a sense of disregard. It functions as a linguistic tool to create a sense of aversion or rejection in ...
Pejorative Language. Some words can hurt. Slurs, insults, and swears can be highly offensive and derogatory. Some theorists hold that the derogatory capacity of a pejorative word or phrase is best explained by the content it expresses. In opposition to content theories, deflationism denies that there is any specifically derogatory content ...
- What is a Pejorative? A pejorative is an insult – a word with a negative connotation that expresses contempt, dismissiveness, or even hatred. It should go without saying that such words must be avoided if you want your writing to be neutral and balanced.
- Examples of Pejorative. Example 1. Some pejoratives are dependent on perception – to some people, these words have a negative connotation, but to others they are neutral or even positive.
- The Problem with Pejoratives. The obvious problem with pejoratives is that they are insulting – readers may take offense when they encounter such words, especially if they are part of the affected group.
- Examples of Pejorative in Literature. Example 1. The use of pejoratives in classic literature presents something of a problem – for example, the N-word is all over the place in Huckleberry Finn, due to the fact that Mark Twain was trying to imitate the way people talked in the South.
Use “derogatory” only when the language is intended to belittle or insult someone or something. Use “pejorative” when the language expresses disapproval or criticism without insulting anyone directly. Avoid using “derogatory” to describe language that is simply negative or critical without the intent to belittle.
A pejorative is a word or expression that conveys negative connotations or is intended to belittle or disparage. In literature and everyday communication, pejoratives are powerful tools that can profoundly influence perception and emotion. They are often used to express criticism, contempt, or disdain, subtly coloring the tone of a narrative or dialogue. Examples include terms like “coward ...
Oct 1, 2021 · What is pejorative langauge? Are these words, phrases, and clauses slipping through in your writing and speech? Most important question: is it affecting your...
- 5 min
- 1886
- Elliot Chan
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A pejorative is a word or phrase that is used to express contempt or disapproval of someone or something. It is a form of language that is intended to belittle or diminish the value of the person or thing being described. Pejoratives can be used intentionally or unintentionally, and they can be directed at individuals or groups of people. Some common examples of pejoratives include racial ...
