• Today's Word

Pejorative

puh-JOR-uh-tiv

Definition

1. (adjective/noun) Expressing contempt or disapproval; a word or phrase that belittles.

Example

Calling it a “scheme” instead of a “plan” gave it a pejorative spin.

Fun Fact

Pejoratives are everywhere—“geek,” “bureaucrat,” “snowflake.” Words can shift over time too: “nerd” once was pejorative, now it’s proudly reclaimed. Linguists study how these terms evolve and how language both reflects and shapes social power.