ENGLISH
REFERENCE

pejorative

adj.
C1 Advanced US //pəˈdʒɔɹətɪv// UK //pədʒˈɒɹətˌɪv// pe·jo·ra·tive

adj. describing a word that is used to show you dislike or look down on someone. It is often an insult or a negative name for a group of people.

adj. expressing contempt or disapproval; intended to belittle or insult. Often describes a term used to denote a social group in a derogatory manner.


SIMPLE

The word is a pejorative for people who do not work.

CONTEXTUAL

The term was originally a neutral description but became a pejorative over time as it was used to mock the group.

COMPLEX

Linguists often study how a pejorative can eventually be reclaimed by the community it was meant to insult, transforming from a slur into a symbol of pride.

Synonyms
Origin

From Late Latin peiōrātus (“worsened”, past participle of peiōrāre (“worsen”), from Latin peior (“worse”)) + -ive. Compare French péjoratif (“depreciative, disparaging”). By surface analysis, pejorate + -ive.

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