What is the technical name and definition for name-calling? Examples, calling someone who has committed a crime a "monster", "predator", "perpetrator", "rapist"?
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I'm not sure what you're asking here. Are you limiting this to criminals, or just generally bad people?– MachavityCommented Oct 29, 2019 at 16:40
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1You can just call it - name-calling.– JustinCommented Oct 29, 2019 at 16:51
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1If the person has committed the crime, the last two are just statements of fact. Terms like 'monster' could be called invective.– Kate BuntingCommented Oct 29, 2019 at 17:00
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Perhaps "labeling"? Without further context, who knows?– Cascabel_StandWithUkraine_Commented Oct 29, 2019 at 17:02
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Thank you. Assuming the person has committed a crime, I am questioning whether a term like perpetrator or rapist is actually "invective" as opposed to using language like "person who ___". Thank you for that word of "invective". Yes, name-calling and labeling appear to be applicable.– JoanCommented Oct 29, 2019 at 17:11
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1 Answer
One term for name-calling is given by Lexico as
pejorative
ADJECTIVEExpressing contempt or disapproval.
The individual may be classified as incomplete, immature, or by other pejorative terms which detract from his dignity.
However, a pejorative term is not the same as name-calling, which can be a simple insult.
Describing a convicted rapist as a "rapist" is true.
answered Oct 29, 2019 at 20:22
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Thank you for the comments that have been added. I question whether we can say "describing a convicted x as an x is true". Replace x with a word that no longer has a legal or medical basis for example. e.g. psychopath, witch, etc. Additionally, the word "rape" is not a legal word in some jurisdictions.– JoanCommented Oct 29, 2019 at 22:24