derogatory
Meant to demean
Derogatory describes language that disparages or belittles: derogatory remarks, derogatory terms for ethnic groups.
The word often appears in discussions of slurs and insults, marking speech intended to demean.
A derogatory comment attacks someone's dignity or worth.
His derogatory tone made clear what he thought of the proposal.
Insulting group label
- epithetDescriptive tag for someone
- insultOffensive remark or action
- pejorativeTerm expressing disapproval
- disparagementCriticism meant to diminish
term · label · name-calling · expression · remark · comment · statement · rhetoric
Showing open disrespect
- disdainfulShowing open contempt
- scornfulShowing open contempt
- sneeringExpressing scorn facially
- mockingScornfully imitating or ridiculing
condescending · dismissive · snide · sardonic · derisive · scathing · caustic · sarcastic
Harming someone's good name
- slanderousFalsely damaging to reputation
- libelousFalsely damaging someone's reputation
- opprobriousHarshly critical, disgraceful
- vituperativeHarshly condemning in speech
calumnious · abusive · pejorative · contemptuous · denigrating · deprecatory · uncomplimentary · unflattering
Causing displeasure or attack-oriented
- hurtfulCausing emotional pain
- harmfulCausing damage or injury
- damagingCausing loss or injury
- degradingLowering in worth
demeaning · humiliating · insulting · wounding · injurious · abusive · disrespectful · stigmatizing
slur
Insulting group label
- epithetDescriptive tag for someone
- insultOffensive remark or action
- pejorativeTerm expressing disapproval
disparagement · term · label · name-calling · expression · remark · comment · statement · rhetoric · speech
contemptuous
Showing open disrespect
- disdainfulShowing open contempt
- scornfulShowing open contempt
- sneeringExpressing scorn facially
mocking · condescending · dismissive · snide · sardonic · derisive · scathing · caustic · sarcastic · belittling
defamatory
Harming someone's good name
- slanderousFalsely damaging to reputation
- libelousFalsely damaging someone's reputation
- opprobriousHarshly critical, disgraceful
vituperative · calumnious · abusive · pejorative · contemptuous · denigrating · deprecatory · uncomplimentary · unflattering · negative
offensive
Causing displeasure or attack-oriented
degrading · demeaning · humiliating · insulting · wounding · injurious · abusive · disrespectful · stigmatizing · marginalizing
demean
Lower in standing
undermine · devalue · deprecate · denigrate · defame · malign · vilify · disparage · slander · libel
- usage labelsformal, informal, archaic, obsolete, colloquial
derogatorycomplimentary
Free or expressing praise
laudatory · praising · respectful · commendatory · approving
derogatoryhonorific
Respectful form of address
respectful · reverential · deferential · elevated · dignifying
- derogatory termsInsulting names for groups
- derogatory remarksDisparaging spoken criticism