pejoratives
Words that demean
Pejoratives are words or expressions that convey disapproval, contempt, or disrespect.
A pejorative term casts its target in a negative light—slurs, insults, and dismissive labels all qualify.
Some words acquire pejorative connotations over time: bureaucrat started neutral but now often implies inefficiency and red tape.
Politicians traded pejoratives during the debate.
Insulting group label
- epithetDescriptive tag for someone
- tauntInsulting provocation
- invectiveAbusive denunciation
- vituperationBitter verbal abuse
jeer · gibe · sneer · mockery · derision · ridicule · sarcasm · affront
Cultural or social prohibition
- shamePainful awareness of failure
- disgraceLoss of honor
- dishonorLoss of respect
- infamyExtreme public disgrace
taint · blemish · stain · stereotype · prejudice · discrimination · ostracism · exclusion
Criticize unfairly to harm
- depreciateLose value over time
- detractReduce perceived value
- discreditHarm another's reputation
- decryOpenly criticize harshly
badmouth · trash-talk · knock · slam · pan · criticize · disdain · scorn
Spoken false defamation
- libelPrinted defamation
- calumnyMalicious false statement
- aspersionDefamatory remark
- smearSpread or defame
vilification · traducement · mudslinging · character assassination · backstabbing · gossip · rumor · innuendo
To make smaller
- trivializeMake light of
- minimizeReduce to smallest extent
- downplayDiminish perceived importance
- demeanLower in standing
condescend · patronize · dismiss · undervalue · deprecate · derogate · talk down · belittle
Scornful disregard
- scornHostile dismissive feeling
- derisionContemptuous mockery
- sneeringExpressing scorn facially
- condescensionDemeaning air of superiority
haughtiness · superciliousness · snobbery · arrogance · looking down · snootiness · dismissiveness · hauteur
slur
Insulting group label
vituperation · jeer · gibe · sneer · mockery · derision · ridicule · sarcasm · affront · abuse
taboo
Cultural or social prohibition
infamy · taint · blemish · stain · stereotype · prejudice · discrimination · ostracism · exclusion · branding
denigrate
Criticize unfairly to harm
- depreciateLose value over time
- detractReduce perceived value
- discreditHarm another's reputation
decry · badmouth · trash-talk · knock · slam · pan · criticize · disdain · scorn · contempt
slander
Spoken false defamation
smear · vilification · traducement · mudslinging · character assassination · backstabbing · gossip · rumor · innuendo · insinuation
diminish
To make smaller
- trivializeMake light of
- minimizeReduce to smallest extent
- downplayDiminish perceived importance
demean · condescend · patronize · dismiss · undervalue · deprecate · derogate · talk down · belittle · brush off
disdain
Scornful disregard
condescension · haughtiness · superciliousness · snobbery · arrogance · looking down · snootiness · dismissiveness · hauteur · loftiness
- cursescurse, curses, hex, hexes, jinx
- dialectsregional dialect, local dialect, patois, vernaculars, vernacular
pejorativescompliments
Expressions of admiration
praise · accolades · encomiums · commendations · flattery
pejorativeshonorifics
Respectful name additions
courtesies · salutations · terms of address · terms of endearment