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pejorative

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Also known as derogative term, derogatory term, term of abuse, derogatory, pejoratives, offensive word, offensive term, slur

A pejorative word, phrase, slur, or derogatory term is a word or grammatical form expressing a negative or 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 but later adopt a non-pejorative sense (or vice versa) in some or all contexts.

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Commons category
Pejoratives
short name
pej.
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Article

6 sections
Contents
  • Etymology
  • Pejoration and melioration
  • See also
  • References
  • Further reading
  • External links

A pejorative word, phrase, slur, or derogatory term is a word or grammatical form expressing a negative or 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 but later adopt a non-pejorative sense (or vice versa) in some or all contexts.

==Etymology== The word pejorative is derived from a Late Latin past participle stem of ', meaning "to make worse", from ' "worse".

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