despective

Despective is a neologism used in English to describe a rhetorical or aesthetic stance characterized by contempt toward opposing views. It is not a widely codified term in linguistics or philosophy but has appeared in contemporary discourse and criticism to label patterns of argumentation and representation.

The coinage appears to combine elements of despise and perspective, with the prefix suggesting a demeaning treatment and despective functioning as an adjective or noun. The origin of the term is uncertain; it has been traced in online commentary and some critical essays since the late 2010s.

In practice, despective discourse employs sarcasm, belittling language, and rhetorical simplifications such as caricatures and all-or-nothing framing. It often concentrates on the speaker’s attitude rather than the substantive content of an argument, and it may be used to gatekeep or delegitimize dissent.

In literature and media, despective tones are discussed as a feature of contemporary debates, with critics arguing that such rhetoric can degrade civil discourse and heighten polarization. Proponents sometimes view it as a blunt but effective way to highlight harmful ideas.

Related concepts include contempt, ad hominem, dehumanization, and performative politics.