derogatory

views updated May 23 2018

de·rog·a·to·ry / diˈrägəˌtôrē/ • adj. showing a critical or disrespectful attitude: she tells me I'm fat and is always making derogatory remarks.DERIVATIVES: de·rog·a·to·ri·ly / -ˌtôrəlē/ adv.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

DEROGATORY

views updated May 17 2018

DEROGATORY. Disparaging and offensive, a term often used in dictionaries (usually abbreviated to derog) to label expressions that intentionally offend or disparage: skinny when used instead of thin; AmE ass-hole for someone considered stupid, mean, or nasty. See ETHNIC NAME, PEJORATIVE.

Concise Oxford Companion to the English Language TOM McARTHUR

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