pejorative
adjective

- insulting, disapproving, or suggesting that something is not good or is of no importance

- a word or expression that expresses criticism of someone or something

The Cambridge Dictionary, Collins Dictionary

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WORD ORIGIN

The word "pejorative" derives from the Latin verb pejorare, which means "to make worse" or "to worsen."

The term entered English in the late 17th to early 18th century, though it became more commonly used in the 19th century.

Initially, "pejorative" was used primarily in linguistic and grammatical contexts to describe words that expressed disapproval or negative connotations. Nowadays, it refers to language that expresses contempt or disapproval, or that deliberately diminishes the subject being described.

It's commonly used in discussions about language, particularly regarding terms that might be considered offensive or that carry negative cultural baggage.

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PEJORATIVE WORDS WARNING!

Some words can easily slip into conversation without awareness of their potentially negative connotations.

Here are 10 common English adjectives with pejorative associations that German speakers might unknowingly use, and thus risking upsetting native English speakers:

1. Cheap

    Why? “Cheap” can imply low quality or stinginess rather than just being low-cost.
    Better choice: “This restaurant is affordable” instead of “This restaurant is cheap.”

2. Skinny
    Why? “Skinny” can sound negative, suggesting underweight or unhealthy, rather than just being slender.
    Better choice: “She has a slim figure” instead of “She is skinny.”

3. Stubborn
    Why? “Stubborn” suggests unreasonable resistance, whereas “strong-willed” is positive and admirable.
    Better choice: “He is strong-willed” instead of “He is stubborn.”

4. Nosy
    Why? “Nosy” implies intrusiveness into personal matters, while “curious” suggests a positive interest in learning.
    Better choice: “She is curious about other cultures” instead of “She is nosy about other cultures.”

5. Pushy
    Why? “Pushy” sounds aggressive or forceful, whereas “assertive” means strong yet respectful.
    Better choice: “He is an assertive salesperson” instead of “He is a pushy salesperson.”

6. Clumsy
    Why? “Clumsy” can sound childish or insulting, while “uncoordinated” is softer and more neutral.
    Better choice: “I’m a bit awkward with chopsticks” instead of “I’m clumsy with chopsticks.”

7. Old-fashioned
    Why? “Old-fashioned” can suggest outdated or obsolete, while “classic” is timeless and elegant.
    Better choice: “This is a classic style” instead of “This is an old-fashioned style.”

8. Shy
    Why? “Shy” often implies fear or social awkwardness, while “reserved” or “introverted” are neutral and descriptive.
    Better choice: “He is reserved at first, but very friendly once you know him” instead of “He is shy.”

9. Weird
    Why? “Weird” can sound insulting, whereas “unusual” or “unique” sound intriguing and positive.
    Better choice: “That’s an unusual idea” instead of “That’s a weird idea.”

10. Lazy
      Why? “Lazy” implies lack of effort or irresponsibility, while “relaxed” suggests a positive, calm attitude.
      Better choice: “He has an easygoing personality” instead of “He is lazy.”

Final Thought:
Many of these adjectives have negative connotations that non-native speakers may not realize. Choosing a more neutral or positive alternative can help avoid unintentional offense or misunderstanding in conversation.

Helga & Paul Smith

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SYNONYMS

abasing, abusive, affronting, aspersing, belittling, berating, biting, blackening, blameworthy, blistering, castigating, catcalling, catty, caustic, caviling, censorious, censuring, chiding, condemning, critical, cutting, decrying, defaming/degrading/demeaning/denigrating/deprecating/derisive remarks (comments, words), denunciatory, deprecating, deprecatory, derisive, derisory, derogating, derogatory, despising phrases, destructive, detracting, diminishing, disapproving, discrediting, disdainful, disparaging, dismissive, disrespectful, distasteful, down-putting, downgrading, excoriating, fault-finding, harsh, hit below the belt, humiliating, hurtful, hypercritical, injurious, insincere, insulting, invective, ironic, irritable, jeering, judging, judgmental, loaded, looking down on, maligning, manipulative, minimizing, mocking, nagging, negative, naysaying, nitpicking, offensive, opprobrious, patronizing, PEJORATIVE, putting down, rejecting, reproachful, ridiculing, rude, sarcastic, sardonic, scathing, scoffing, scolding, scornful, sharp-tongued, slam, slighting, slurring, smear, sneering, snide, spiteful, squashing, stinging, taking a dig at, taking a shot at, taunting, tearing down, throwing shade, uncomplimentary, unfavorable, unflattering, vilifying, vitriolic, withering

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SMUGGLE OWAD into an English conversation, say something like:


"The acronym ‘WAG’, meaning the Wives and Girlfriends of famous athletes, is often used PEJORATIVELY.”

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P L E A S E   S U P P O R T   O W A D

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