Word or phrase that is used to deconstruct another word


I am looking for a word for phrase for when a word (usually a noun) is broken down into "simpler" words. It might also have derogatory undertones but that is not necessary.


Example 1: Soccer is just "guys kicking a ball"


Example 2: Origami is just "folding paper nicely"



Answer



You can try reductionism, defined by Merriam Webster as



A procedure or theory that reduces complex data and phenomena to simple terms.



Also see reductionism, defined by oxford dictionary online as



The practice of analyzing and describing a complex phenomenon in terms of phenomena that are held to represent a simpler or more fundamental level, especially when this is said to provide a sufficient explanation.



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