Vocabulary
Connotation & Register
connotation · euphemism · derogatory · understatement · jargon
a feeling or idea a word suggests beyond its basic meaning
/ˌkɒnəˈteɪʃn/"Home" has warm connotations that "house" lacks.
a mild word used instead of an unpleasant one
/ˈjuːfəmɪzəm/"Passed away" is a euphemism for "died".
showing a low opinion; insulting
/dɪˈrɒɡətri/The article used a derogatory term for tourists.
saying something is less than it really is
/ˈʌndəsteɪtmənt/Calling −20°C "a bit chilly" is an understatement.
words chosen to create a strong emotional reaction
/ˌləʊdɪd ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ/The advert relies on loaded language like "invasion" and "crisis".
showing no positive or negative feeling
/ˈnjuːtrəl/"Slim" sounds positive, "skinny" negative, and "thin" fairly neutral.
used in informal conversation, not formal writing
/kəˈləʊkwiəl/"Gonna" is colloquial — avoid it in an essay.
special words used by a particular group, hard for others to understand
/ˈdʒɑːɡən/The manual was full of technical jargon nobody could follow.
(of a word) expressing disapproval
/pɪˈdʒɒrətɪv/"Nerd" was once purely pejorative, but now it is often affectionate.
not meant seriously; ironic
/ˌtʌŋ ɪn ˈtʃiːk/His "five-star" review of the awful hotel was clearly tongue-in-cheek.
1
Give three words for "thin" — one positive, one negative, one neutral.
2
Which euphemisms do people use in your language? Translate one.
3
Find loaded language in a headline today.
4
Say something tongue-in-cheek about the weather.
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