Pejoráció

Pejoráció is a linguistic process where a word or phrase acquires a negative or derogatory meaning. This shift in meaning can occur gradually over time, often influenced by social, cultural, or historical factors. A word that was once neutral or even positive can become associated with something undesirable, leading to its pejorative use.

The process of pejoráció is distinct from simply using an insult. It involves a transformation of the word's inherent meaning within the language itself. For example, a word might originally refer to a group of people in a neutral way, but through repeated negative association or the adoption of the term by those who wish to demean the group, it becomes a slur.

The reasons behind pejoráció can be varied. Sometimes it stems from the word's original context being misunderstood or reinterpreted. Other times, it is a deliberate effort by a dominant group to marginalize or denigrate a minority group. The evolution of language is dynamic, and words can acquire new connotations, including negative ones, as societal attitudes change. Understanding pejoráció is important for analyzing language use and recognizing how words can reflect and perpetuate social biases.