STRUCTURAL AND SEMANTIC ORGANIZATION OF ENGLISH PEJORATIVE LEXIS DENOTING MALE REFERENTS IN LITERARY TEXTS

Abstract

The study aims to investigate the relationship between lexical-semantic group (LSG) affiliation and types of semantic motivation (metaphor, metonymy, and direct nomination) in English absolute pejoratives denoting male referents. Using a sample of 49 lexical units extracted from the novels “Ministry of Time”, “Run on Red”, and “Tell Me Lies”, a mixed qualitative-quantitative design is employed. First, the collected units are classified into lexical-semantic groups based on dominant semantic features derived from dictionary definitions. Next, each lexical item is assigned a type of semantic motivation according to clearly defined interpretative criteria. The research utilizes lexical-semantic field theory, componential analysis of dictionary definitions, and Pearson’s chi-square test of independence. Statistical methods are employed to determine statistical significance and connection between the type of lexical-semantic groups and types of motivation. The statistical analysis yielded a chi- square value of 4.84, which fell below the critical threshold, leading to the acceptance of the null hypothesis that there is no statistically significant association between LSG affiliation and semantic motivation. In addition to that, Cramér’s V (0.22) indicated a weak association between the variables. Qualitative observations revealed that the «General Negative Evaluation» group relies heavily on metaphor (e.g., asshole, dick), while “Psychological/Behavioral Characteristics” are predominantly expressed through direct nomination (e.g., traitor, psychopath). Although a strict statistical dependency was not confirmed, the data suggest distinct preferences for motivational strategies across different semantic groups, reflecting underlying cognitive patterns in the expression of evaluative negativity.