Pejorative

Pejorative is an adjective meaning a negative connotation or insult, as in "it is a pejorative term used to disparage the other side." The use of pejoratives is more commonly referred to as 'name-calling.'

Frequently, when used as a pejorative, the denotative meaning of a term is downplayed in favour of its vernacular connotations or associations. For example, the term liberal is often used pejoratively toward someone with whose social or political views one does not agree.

Other examples of pejorative political terms include:

• "isolationism"
• "extremism"
• "protectionist"
• "conspiracy theorist"
• "cronyism"
• "fascist"
• "closed-minded"