Compound pejoratives on Reddit – from buttface to wankpuffin
By colin_morris
Category: Technology › Platforms
Curious how Reddit coins insults? I built a 4,800 cell compound pejorative dataset from about 70 prefixes and 70 suffixes, scraping Reddit comments from 2006 to 2020. I map frequency and Zipf patterns, spotlight dumbass at 3.6M and hapaxes like pukebird, and measure affix flexibility with a log sum.
Rolly's Take
This blog resonates with the curious minds who revel in the playful intricacies of language and expression, particularly those who appreciate the art of insult as a unique form of creativity. It speaks to the imaginative souls who may find joy in the absurdity of compound pejoratives, relishing in the cleverness that arises from linguistic experimentation. For the individual drawn to the intersection of technology and culture, this exploration offers a fascinating glimpse into the organic evolution of language within the chaotic realm of Reddit, revealing patterns and insights that linger beyond mere words. Here, the beauty of linguistic flexibility dances with the delightfully crude, inviting you to ponder not just what we say, but how we say it.