Knowra Pejorative Pejorative A pejorative is a word or expression that conveys contempt, disapproval, or a negative judgment. Its disparaging force may come from its conventional meaning, its use in context, or both.
Connotation : The associations and emotional coloring a word carries beyond its literal meaning. A word’s negative associations can make it pejorative even when its literal meaning is neutral.
Semantics : The study of meaning in language, including the meanings of words and sentences. Conventional pejorative meaning is part of what expressions signify.
Ethnonym : A name used for an ethnic group, whether used by its members or by others. Ethnonyms can become pejorative when imposed or used with contempt.
Stigma (social) : A mark of social disapproval that leads people to devalue or exclude someone. Repeated pejorative labels can attach social stigma to the people they describe.
Pragmatics : The study of how context shapes the meaning and use of language. Pragmatics explains how tone, audience, and situation affect whether an expression insults.
Register (sociolinguistics) : A variety of language associated with a particular situation, purpose, or audience. An expression’s register can make it insulting or inappropriate in a setting.
Political correctness : The avoidance of language or actions considered exclusionary or insulting to particular groups. Debates about politically correct language often concern replacing pejorative labels.
Stereotype : A generalized belief about a group that is applied to its members. Pejorative expressions can compress stereotypes into labels.
Euphemism : A mild or indirect expression used in place of one considered harsh, offensive, or unpleasant. Euphemisms soften judgments that pejorative expressions state directly.
Evaluative language : Language that expresses judgments, attitudes, or assessments of value. Pejoratives belong to evaluative language because they convey negative judgment.
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