Pejorative Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: SL.9-10.1.D and SL.11-12.1.D

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

Pejorative language is intended to hurt the feelings of others in the form of an insult. When you are attempting to persuade your audience or at least have them feel neutrally towards you, it is best to avoid the use of this type of language. When you are writing a piece that analyzes or criticizes something, you should make sure to avoid the use of this language as well because it could clearly indicate a form of bias. Not that we would encourage you to use this type of language, but it can serve its purpose when you have clearly reached an impasse with another person, concept, or policy. It serves to explain that you have drawn your line in the sand and are immovable on this point. These worksheets will help students further explore the concept and proper uses of pejoratives.

Pejorative Worksheets To Print:

Complete Thoughts - These sentences will help you learn a great deal more about this type of language.

Is It a Pejorative? - Read each sentence. Does it contain this type of language? Write YES or NO on the line.

True or False - Read through all of these and then determine if they are valid or not.

In Action - You will evalute a series of sentences to see if this type of wording is present.

Concept Explorer - This is a great organizer and discussion leader to use when exploring this concept with students in a class situation.

Deeper Thoughts - We explore when is it NOT appropriate to use pejoratives in your writing.

On Television - Sometimes a word is only takes on this role in context, and then only if the people using the word believe it to be one. Let's explore where you have seen this in some of your favorite TV shows.

Understanding Them - We give you a term that you use in context to display this technique and then you pull the same term into different context.

Characterization - Think about the story you are writing. Is there a character or a situation where this might be appropriate?

Epithet - We look at how these concepts intertwine.

Uses for Characterization - Choose one of the situations below. Write a brief dialogue in which one character uses this form of dialogue.

In My Novel - You will use literature to find areas where this overlaps exists.

Invective - Find places where this concepts mix and where they do not.

In Literature - What are the pros and cons of verisimilitude in this issue?

In the Play - As you read the play, identify examples of pejoratives. Then write what you think it means. What might be a modern synonym for the word?

How to Use Pejoratives Correctly

Pejorative is a form of language used in text to belittle someone or something. Writers also refer to this term as a derogatory verbal slur.


Such language helps the author express his hostility or critique openly. Pejoratives use words in a negative sense to strike negativity within the reader. And while this tool helps to establish a tone of dismissal by the author, it is better to ensure only moderate use of this form of language.


But, how exactly is a pejorative word used in a sentence? We will tell you all about it below.


1. The Need for Pejoratives


No, they are not only used to depict insults.


Rather, they also help in establishing a positive outlook on certain situations. For example, pejoratives against racism establish a need to reduce its occurrence. The hostility expressed by the author allows the readers to connect with the same sentiment.


Hence, it is essential to know that this type of language is not limited only to strong, negative words. They can help create opinions depending on how the reader interprets them.


2. Choosing a Pejorative


Using the right form of language is always crucial!


This is especially true if you want to use it as a persuasive tool. One of the major aspects of using pejoratives is to make sure your reader ends up agreeing with your view. And it is not about eliciting offense to the reader themselves. For that, it is important to know your target audience to structure your stance well.


For example, calling your opponent's political party "unpatriotic" would be a personal target. Rather, it is better to be unbiased and present a critique of their views to bring your readers closer to yours.


Moreover, it is important to know that not every bad term is pejorative. Rather, it is the correct use of the term that makes a difference, especially when it comes to terms that have lost their meanings over the years.


3. Know your Intention


While pejorative use is crucial in some cases, it is essential to understand where the limit lies. And that is why many authors aim to use this form of language rarely. Especially when you might really offend someone. This includes calling a mentally challenged individual an unwanted slur. Or even a financially struggling individual as a "beggar."


After all, it is all about giving your readers a view of what is not right. And the use of pejoratives should be towards situations that deserve the dismissal.


To Wrap It Up


Language tools are great to establish creativity in written text. They help to pass on emotions and ideas without the use of verbal tones. And that is what the use of pejorative terms does as well. But every tool requires moderation because that is what makes a piece of literature worth reading at the end.