Talk:Pejorative

Problems with LGBTQ terms

I'm adding tags to this article that tries to whitewash (i.e., "reclamation" POV narrative) certain slurs as having "officially" become non-slurs--specifically the word "queer," and the others to a lesser extent--and only remain slurs in "certain regions." The use of one Columbia Journalism Review Editor's opinion piece does not represent a majoritarian or mainstream view (footnote 8), especially in light of:

• PFLAG on the use of queer: "A term used by some LGBTQ+ people to describe themselves and/or their community. Reclaimed from its earlier negative use--and valued by some for its defiance--the term is also considered by some to be inclusive of the entire community and by others who find it to be an appropriate term to describe their more fluid identities. Traditionally a negative or pejorative term for people who are LGBTQ+, some people within the community dislike the term. Due to its varying meanings, use this word only when self-identifying or quoting an individual who self-identifies as queer (i.e., “My cousin identifies as queer” or “My cousin is a queer person”)." https://pflag.org/glossary/#queer
• Merriam-Webster's dictionary on the usage of the word: "The adjective queer is now most frequently applied with its meanings relating to sexual orientation and/or gender identity, as outlined at sense 2 above. When these meanings were developing in the early 20th century, they were strongly pejorative, echoing the negative connotations of the word's older meanings, which included "weird," "suspicious," and "unwell." But the adjective today is commonly used as a positive or neutral self-descriptor, and also has wide use as a neutral broad descriptor for a large and varied group of people. The term is also prominent as a neutral term in academic contexts that deal with gender and sexuality. Current neutral and positive uses notwithstanding, the word's long history of pejorative use continued into the current century, and some people still find the word offensive in any context. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/queer
• Stylebook on LGBTQ+ Terminology from the National Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists: "LGBTQ+

Acceptable in all references for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning, and other sexual and gender minorities.

It may be tempting for journalists to refer to the LGBTQ+ community. In reality, it is a broad and sometimes loosely bound group of communities comprising people from all races, religions, cultures and walks of life. Referring to LGBTQ+ people is usually more accurate than defining it as one community.

There is not universal agreement on a name. LGBT leaves out many people who identity in ways that may be similar to but not the same as lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people.

Some alternatives exist but may be less inclusive, cumbersome or unfamiliar to general audiences and could require explanation. LGBTQ includes people who identify as queer or who are questioning their sexual orientation; LGBTQIA includes intersex, asexual and agender people; LGBTQIA2S+ specifically includes two-spirits and other sexual and gender minorities.

Writers and organizations should decide for themselves, based on their audience and intent, whether more or less specificity is needed."

These sources are far more mainstream than the singular, cherrypicked opinion of Perlman, Merrill (2019-01-22). "How the word 'queer' was adopted by the LGBTQ community". Columbia Journalism Review. Heliostellar (talk) 20:18, 18 July 2024 (UTC)

Please refer to the existing discussion at Talk:Queer#Introductory paragraph, rather than splintering off into multiple pages.

The widely (and the article does not say universal) understanding is, that the term is largely reclaimed, which is factual and true. The fact that some people may not like it doesn't change that, which is why the article states this clearly However, due to its history and – in some regions – continued use as a pejorative, there remain LGBT individuals who are uncomfortable with having this term applied to them. Raladic (talk) 23:42, 18 July 2024 (UTC)

Does "pejorative" really mean "slur"?

I suspect this page is conflating two concepts that reliable linguistic sources would not. Namely the concept of "pejorative" or a "pejorative term" versus the concept of a "slur". At least the way I speak "pejorative term" also covers many non-slur insults.

I'm going to go look for sources on this topic later but I did want to introduce my objection on the talk page first. Loki (talk) 20:26, 17 July 2026 (UTC)

Found this source very quickly and I also remembered this source from the article on the term TERF. While there I also found this source which also distinguishes between derogatory language and slurs. I think I have enough evidence now that these are different to take the equivocation between the two out of the article, and probably to change the redirect from name slur to point to ethnic slur as well. Loki (talk) 20:41, 17 July 2026 (UTC)

Sounds fine to me. I have been hoping that someone would one day write a plain "slur" article to fix the mess here... //Replayful (talk | contribs) 19:02, 9 August 2026 (UTC)

I haven't read through it yet, but seems like this article tries to tackle this question. In the abstract:

Other linguistic problems are definitional. How do slurs differ from pejoratives, insults, swear words, and offensive behavior?

My personal understanding (again no idea if this is corroborated by the article) has been that pejoratives are a more overarching term, and slurs are a type of pejorative. ~ oklopfer (💬) 21:17, 17 July 2026 (UTC)

Wiki Education assignment: Foundations of Communication Studies

This article is currently the subject of a Wiki Education Foundation–supported course assignment, between 17 August 2026 and 11 December 2026. Further details are available on the course page. Student editor(s): JVMisrad (article contribs).

— Assignment last updated by JVMisrad (talk) 01:15, 13 September 2026 (UTC)