<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>Some non-appropriated uses of slurs seem to be non–derogatory. In this paper, I argue that in a range of cases, the lack of derogation is owed to the term not being <italic>genuinely used</italic>. I first examine so–called pedagogical uses and show that they can be assimilated to what I call “distancing uses.” I then turn to a range of other apparently non–derogatory, non–appropriated uses of slurs – such as non–weapon uses, comedic uses – and argue that they can depart from standard, genuine usage in relevant ways. I finally turn to so–called “affectionate” uses, and show that, if the conditions in which they obtain can be described as standard, then they are derogatory because they are <italic>genuine</italic> uses, no matter the benevolent feelings of the speaker.</p></abstract>

Some non-appropriated uses of slurs seem to be non–derogatory. In this paper, I argue that in a range of cases, the lack of derogation is owed to the term not being genuinely used. I first examine so–called pedagogical uses and show that they can be assimilated to what I call “distancing uses.” I then turn to a range of other apparently non–derogatory, non–appropriated uses of slurs – such as non–weapon uses, comedic uses – and argue that they can depart from standard, genuine usage in relevant ways. I finally turn to so–called “affectionate” uses, and show that, if the conditions in which they obtain can be described as standard, then they are derogatory because they are genuine uses, no matter the benevolent feelings of the speaker.

Slurs: Departures from Genuine Uses and Derogation

Studies in Logic, Grammar and Rhetoric

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

{"article-title":"Slurs: Departures from Genuine Uses and Derogation"}

Some non-appropriated uses of slurs seem to be non–derogatory. In this paper, I argue that in a range of cases, the lack of derogation is owed to the term not...

Slurs: Departures from Genuine Uses and Derogation

Published Online: Oct 11, 2020

Page range: 9 - 24

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/slgr-2020-0011

Keywords
slurs, semantics, pragmatics, use, mention, derogation, offensiveness

© 2020 Delia Belleri, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Slurs: Departures from Genuine Uses and Derogation

Published Online: Oct 11, 2020

Page range: 9 - 24

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/slgr-2020-0011

Keywordsslurs, semantics, pragmatics, use, mention, derogation, offensiveness

© 2020 Delia Belleri, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Keywords
slurs, semantics, pragmatics, use, mention, derogation, offensiveness