Abstract

In this paper, we will provide na overview of different mechanisms involved in pejoration. Specifically, we will focus on the analysis of three different phenomena in Rioplatense Spanish. First, we will analyze the suffix -ito (‘little’ [suffix]) and how it combines with bases to form pejorative expressions, such as abogadito (‘little lawyer’) and sordito (‘little deaf’). Second, we will analyze (with the support of experimental evidence) the semantics of pejorative expressions, such as puto (‘faggot’), tortillera (‘dyke’), and estúpido (‘stupid’). Finally, we will analyze the pragmatics involved in expressive speech acts that might be used to express contempt toward someone, such as Los del manya son todos putos (‘The ones of the manya are all faggot’). We will assume that pejoration is a negative attitude that is reflected at different linguistic levels. We will defend that pejoration goes beyond the linguistic levels, it may be expressed linguistically, but it may not need to. Pejoration allows us to use neuter terms negatively, change the target of a group insult, and so on. Pejoration is a phenomenon we should consider more carefully when we are dealing with expressions that can potentially be used as a part of hate speech. Pejoration is not a semantic dimension, it is na attitude that can be reflected in our linguistic system.