| Kenneth G. Wilson (1923–). The Columbia Guide to Standard American English. 1993. |
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| epithet (n.) |
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| An epithet is a descriptive adjective, noun, or phrase intended to label or characterize someone. Originally, such a label could either praise or derogate, but some commentators argue these days that an epithet always derides or criticizes. Others insist that an epithet can still be either pejorative or ameliorative. What is clear is that you must make sure that context removes all doubt on this point, even if this means calling the epithet itself a flattering or disparaging epithet when you introduce it. Because not everyone believes epithets always disparage, the possible accusations of redundancy seem worth the risk. | 1 |
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| | | The Columbia Guide to Standard American English. Copyright © 1993 Columbia University Press. |
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