offensive language - Why are nouns sometimes pejorative when used attributively?


Certain nouns can often be used as noun adjuncts in place of a corresponding adjective, with no change in literal meaning, where:



  • The noun is not pejorative when used nominatively by itself.

  • Nor is the corresponding adjective pejorative.

  • But the noun used attributively is pejorative.


Is this a common pattern in English (besides the 2 examples below), and if so, what's the reason behind it? Also, is the phenomenon specific to proper nouns?



Here are some examples of such usages that should be typical according to what I'm claiming:


Jew


Generally not pejorative when used nominatively (though that may depend on the company you keep...):



Who is a Jew?



Corresponding adjective is not pejorative:



The Haggadah (Hebrew: הַגָּדָה‎, "telling") is a Jewish text that sets forth the order of the Passover Seder.



But an anti-Semitic slur when used attributively:



I shoulda known they'd stick me in a room with a Jew cop.



Democrat (the US political party)


Not pejorative, used nominatively:



President Barack Obama is a Democrat.



Not pejorative, corresponding adjective:



The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States[.]



Pejorative, used attributively:



Democrat Party




DEMOCRAT POLITICIANS' LUST FOR TAX MONEY OUTWEIGHS THEIR SUPPOSED COMMITMENT TO SOCIAL JUSTICE





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