I agree with Hornsby, that derogatory words prevent us from “reaching a theoretical perspective on question about meaning,” because derogatory words don’t not have meaning. Since derogatory words are names and names do not have meaning, because of there altering descriptions. These words, like names, are based by historical or past descriptions (there is also no definition, but the definition the user gives the word), since these descriptions are subject to times change, meaning must stand the test of time.
I disagree with Hornsby that derogatory words are “useless,” because the words have a use in a communicative sense of ideas or emotion, such as in the arts of music and poetry. For example, when a rapper is spitting lines, the rapper uses words as tools to communicate an impactful emotion or something that will captivate the listener. Although, the word could be replaced with a complex string of other words, its by the simplicity of a single word that gives the effect it gives.
Do derogatory words only act as names or do they act as nouns as well?
I think derogatory words can definitely act as nouns as well. There are many slang that identify a common thing, and are not just words that act as names.
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