Peiorato

Peyorativ or pejorative vocabulary (from the Latin. Pējōrāre ^[1] "to worsen"), also derogative (from the English derogatory term ) ^[2] - words and phrases expressing a negative assessment of something or someone, disapproval, censure, irony or contempt . Despite the fact that negative emotions are expressed with the help of pejorators, they should not be confused with curses, since swear words and expressions or profanity in peyoratives are usually not contained. The meaning is close to the expression invect .

According to the linguist V. I. Karasik , the classification of human imperfections, reflected in the meaning of pejorators, can be built on various grounds. On the basis of social danger, qualities that are harmful to society and harmful to the individual ( traitor , lecherous , fool , rag , slut ) are opposed. On the basis of controllability, actions (manifestations of character) are compared, for which a person should or should not be responsible ( arrogant , hypocrite , drunkard , bore , freak ). On the basis of universality, they distinguish between characteristics that can be inherent in a large class or a small group of people ( chatterbox , lackey , coward , hookmaker , rhyme , charlatan ). On the basis of determinability, the negative qualities of the primary and secondary order are compared ( egotist , dumbass , impudent , whip , crammed , bully ). On the basis of initiative, vices contrasted by accusers or defendants ( lazy person , clown , insignificance , vixen , sneak , philistine ) contrast .

Vocabulary units with negative evaluation (peiorative) meanings constitute a much larger group than the semantic subgroup of lexical units with positive evaluation, or reclamation. Apparently, this is due to extralinguistic factors. Positive qualities are perceived as “normal”, taken for granted.