It is important to be aware of the etymological origins of these words. The roots of many hurtful words are in violence, anger, and contempt. This suggests that these words have been used for centuries to inflict pain and to dehumanize others.

We can all do our part to create a more empathetic and compassionate world by choosing our words carefully and avoiding hurtful and non-empathic language.

Abrasive

Tending to irritate or wear away

From Latin abradere, "to scrape away"

Callous

Unfeeling, insensitive, or hardened

From Latin callosus, "hardened, callous"

Cynical

Distrustful of human nature or institutions

From Greek kynikos, "doglike"

Demeaning

Degrading, humiliating, or causing loss of self-respect

From Old English dēman, "to judge"

Derogatory

Disparaging or belittling

From Latin derogare, "to take away"

Disdainful

Feeling or showing contempt or scorn

From Old French desdain, "contempt"

Insensitive

Lacking the ability to feel or understand the feelings of others

From Latin insensatus, "unfeeling"

Mean

Ill-natured, spiteful, or unkind

From Old English mægen, "might, strength"

Malicious

Having or showing a desire to do evil to others

From Latin malus, "bad"

Nasty

Offensive, unpleasant, or disagreeable

From Old English nǣstig, "filthy"

Obnoxious

Highly offensive or disagreeable

From Latin obnoxius, "exposed to danger"

Pitiless

Having or showing no pity or compassion

From Latin impius, "unholy"

Rude

Discourteous, impolite, or ill-mannered

From Old English rūþ, "rough, harsh"

Spiteful

Feeling or showing malice or ill will

From Old English spiþig, "sharp, piercing"

Stigmatize

To mark or brand as disgraceful or taboo

From Greek stigma, "mark, brand"

Vicious

Aggressively violent or harmful

From Latin vix, "force"