Language Dynamics in Close Quarters: The Function of Pejorative Nicknames

This presentation focuses on pejorative nicknames, in particular within closely-knit social settings such as villages, households, and schools. Drawing from ethnological and psychological studies on nicknaming and name-calling practices, the presentation aims at showing the shared functional and structural attributes between pejorative nicknames and slurs. Through an examination of the control mechanisms embedded in both phenomena, this exploration suggests that pejorative nicknames serve as tools to foster intra-groups hierarchies, mirroring the role of slurs within a smaller scale. By doing so, this presentation aims at directing attention on how linguistic dynamics within smaller speech-act communities can enhance our comprehension of the derogatory impact of slurs in more intricate social contexts.

STAL is an international and interdisciplinary network of researchers interested in slurs, pejoratives, and evaluative and expressive terms in general, from less studied languages.