pejoration
[/ˌpɛdʒəˈreɪʃən/]
nounfemininepl: pejorations
pejoration; degradação semântica
1. the process by which a word's meaning becomes more negative, derogatory, or unfavorable over time
The word 'silly' underwent pejoration, changing from meaning 'blessed' to 'foolish.'
A palavra 'tolo' passou por uma pejoration, mudando de significado ao longo do tempo para um sentido mais negativo.
2. in linguistics, semantic change where a term acquires a more insulting or contemptuous connotation
The pejoration of the term 'knave' from a general servant to a dishonest person is a classic example in English etymology.
A pejoration do termo reflete como as sociedades mudam suas atitudes em relação a certos grupos ou conceitos.
Pejoration is a technical term primarily used in linguistics and historical language study. It reflects how social attitudes and taboos shape language evolution. In Brazilian Portuguese academic circles, the term is often borrowed directly or translated as 'degradação semântica.' This concept is important in understanding how language reflects cultural values and prejudices that change across generations.
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