Pejorative Lexik und Idiomatik

Abstract

This article discusses the pejorativity of the German noun ‘Arsch’ (ass, arse) as a single lexeme and as a constituent of linguistic idioms. The first part explores the pejorative meaning of the lexeme from the perspective of lexical semantics. The second part provides an introduction into the field of phraseology. It further investigates to what extent ‘Arsch’ as a constituent of idioms infuences stylistic aspects and expressivity. The single lexeme ‘Arsch’ is often used to insult and devalue. Therefore, the last part examines - from a semasiologic point of view - if idioms containing ‘Arsch’ adhere to a preferred area of denotation.