pejorative
Word conveying contempt
Pejorative describes words or expressions that convey disapproval or contempt.
A pejorative term disparages its target: bureaucrat is pejorative where administrator is neutral.
As a noun, a pejorative is such a term: "Peasant" started as a neutral word but became a pejorative.
The adjective often appears in linguistic discussions about how words acquire negative connotations.
Showing open contempt
- disdainfulShowing open contempt
- sneeringExpressing scorn facially
- superciliousArrogantly contemptuous of others
- haughtyDisdainfully proud
derisive · mocking · scoffing · jeering · taunting · sardonic · sarcastic · snide
Insulting group label
- epithetDescriptive tag for someone
- slanderSpoken false defamation
- libelPrinted defamation
- defamationFalse statements harming reputation
smear · stigma · denigration · vilification · calumny · aspersion · mudslinging · character assassination
Derogatory term for ethnicity
- racial slurDerogatory ethnic term
- homophobicPrejudiced against gay people
- sexistBiased based on gender
- ableistPrejudiced against disabilities
classist · xenophobic · dehumanizing · othering · bigoted · hateful · discriminatory · hate speech
Very small, or nickname form
- patronizingTreating someone as inferior
- condescendingSuperior and dismissive manner
- dismissiveShowing contemptuous disregard
- deprecatingExpressing disapproval or belittlement
demeaning · trivializing · minimizing · devaluing · undermining · deflating · downgrading · reducing
Exclude from a group
- shunDeliberately keep away
- snubDeliberate dismissive rejection
- excludeBar from participation
- repudiateReject as having no authority
disown · outcast · pariah · stigmatize · marginalize · blacklist · cold-shoulder · spurn
scornful
Showing open contempt
- disdainfulShowing open contempt
- sneeringExpressing scorn facially
- superciliousArrogantly contemptuous of others
haughty · derisive · mocking · scoffing · jeering · taunting · sardonic · sarcastic · snide · acerbic
slur
Insulting group label
defamation · smear · stigma · denigration · vilification · calumny · aspersion · mudslinging · character assassination · discredit
ethnic slur
Derogatory term for ethnicity
- racial slurDerogatory ethnic term
- homophobicPrejudiced against gay people
- sexistBiased based on gender
ableist · classist · xenophobic · dehumanizing · othering · bigoted · hateful · discriminatory · hate speech · epithet
diminutive
Very small, or nickname form
- patronizingTreating someone as inferior
- condescendingSuperior and dismissive manner
- dismissiveShowing contemptuous disregard
deprecating · demeaning · trivializing · minimizing · devaluing · undermining · deflating · downgrading · reducing · pitying
ostracize
Exclude from a group
repudiate · disown · outcast · pariah · stigmatize · marginalize · blacklist · cold-shoulder · spurn · rebuff
pejorativelaudatory
Expressing strong approval
complimentary · ameliorative · approbative · commendatory · eulogistic