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A connotation is a commonly understood cultural or emotional association that any given word or phrase carries, in addition to its explicit or literal meaning, which is its denotation. A connotation is frequently described as either positive or negative, with regard to its pleasing or displeasing emotional connection. [ 1 ]
An example given by John Sinclair is the verb set in, which has a negative prosody: e.g. rot (with negative associations) is a prime example of what is going to 'set in'. [1] Another well-known example is the verb sense of cause , which is also used mostly in a negative context (accident, catastrophe, etc.), [ 2 ] though one can also say that ...
A pejorative word, phrase, slur, or derogatory term is a word or grammatical form expressing a negative or disrespectful connotation, a low opinion, or a lack of respect toward someone or something. [1] It is also used to express criticism, hostility, or disregard.
The following is a list of terms, used to describe disabilities or people with disabilities, which may carry negative connotations or be offensive to people with or without disabilities. Some people consider it best to use person-first language, for example "a person with a disability" rather than "a disabled person."
Proper use of emotive conjugation provides words that are synonymous in their factual definitions, but different in their emotional connotation. While most examples are in triads, emotive conjugation can be used with a single subject. Examples of emotive conjugation include: I am sparkling; you are unusually talkative; he is drunk. [5]
Politicians employ euphemisms, [12] and study how to use them effectively: which words to use or avoid using to gain political advantage or disparage an opponent. . Speechwriter and journalist Richard Heller gives the example that it is common for a politician to advocate "investment in public services," because it has a more favorable connotation than "publ
Baby: Term often used to tease others for being childish or too young, or for behaving in an immature way. Bag lady: A homeless old woman or vagrant. Barely legal: [6] A term used to market pornography featuring young people who are "barely legal" (only just reached legal age of majority or the age of consent, or both). The term fetishizes ...
A double negative is a construction occurring when two forms of grammatical negation are used in the same sentence. This is typically used to convey a different shade of meaning from a strictly positive sentence ("You're not unattractive" vs "You're attractive").