When derogatory first began to be used in English it had the meaning “detracting from the character or standing of something.” It comes from the verb derogate, which can be traced to the Latin word derogare (“to detract” or “to annul (a law)”). Derogatory quickly took on the additional meaning “disdainful, disparaging,” as may be seen in the word’s frequent use in “derogatory comment.” Derogatory is increasingly seen today in credit reports, although it should not be taken as a credit card company making unkind comments on the character of the cardholder. In this context it refers to something (such as a late payment, foreclosure, or bankruptcy) that will have a negative effect on a person’s credit score.
The aroma of wine made from Concord … grapes is often described as "foxy," a wine term as derogatory as it is vague. Danny May et al., Berkshire Home Style, March 2007In Powell's memoir, Lemann points out, terms like "expert" and "academic" are clearly derogatory. Franklin Foer, New Republic, 5 Feb. 2001Unfortunately, the codes were badly explained and ham-handedly enforced. At Michigan an interpretive guide called "What Students Should Know … " went beyond the scope of the actual code in saying that even a derogatory comment … would be punished by the university. Laurence R. Stains, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 1993 fans made a steady stream of derogatory remarks about the players on the visiting team
Recent Examples on the WebHaaland meanwhile created a panel that will take suggestions from the public on changing other place names include derogatory terms.Fox News, 9 Sep. 2022 Haaland meanwhile created a panel that will take suggestions from the public on changing other places named with derogatory terms. Mead Gruver, CBS News, 9 Sep. 2022 Haaland meanwhile created a panel that will take suggestions from the public on changing other places named with derogatory terms. Mead Gruver, Chron, 8 Sep. 2022 Similar renaming decisions had previously applied to two other derogatory terms, one for Black Americans and another for people of Japanese descent. Riley Rogerson, Anchorage Daily News, 8 Sep. 2022 He was called those names, those politically incorrect, derogatory terms for women, by opposing fans. Dana Hunsinger Benbow, USA TODAY, 11 July 2022 He was called those names, those politically incorrect, derogatory terms for women, by opposing fans. Dana Hunsinger Benbow, The Indianapolis Star, 11 July 2022 The report says Mohan called the woman derogatory names and grabbed her face and began choking her. Mike Wilson, USA TODAY, 24 Aug. 2022 Some have accused Eledge of making racist statements about Alaska Natives and derogatory comments about other groups. Emily Goodykoontz, Anchorage Daily News, 24 Aug. 2022 See More