Ugly or Weak? Insults Target Sex-Specific Cues of Mate Value

Insulting comments are meant to demean a target. From the lens of evolutionary psychology, we theorized that the most used insults could be tied to evolved, sex-specific cues of mate value. We predicted that participants would ascribe as more insulting to men or to women phrases that derogate sex-specific cues of mate value. We analyzed both qualitative and quantitative data from 136 survey participants (age M = 21.2, SD = 6.1). Predictions were supported by notable consensus, and there were largely no sex differences in insult use. Most insults targeted at men derogated formidability/status and sexuality/gender, and most insults targeted at women derogated physical appearance and ascribed promiscuity. These qualities have been shown to be salient cues to mate viability for each sex, respectively. Limitations and future directions for research are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)

© American Psychological Association, 2022-10-01. This paper is not the copy of record and may not exactly replicate the authoritative document published in the APA journal. Please do not copy or cite without author's permission. The final article is available, upon publication, at: https://doi.org/10.1037/ebs0000264

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Work Title Ugly or Weak? Insults Target Sex-Specific Cues of Mate Value
Access
Open Access
Creators
  1. Marissa A. Harrison
  2. Susan M. Hughes
Keyword
  1. Insults
  2. Sex differences
  3. Status
  4. Formidability
  5. Physical attractiveness
License In Copyright (Rights Reserved)
Work Type Article
Publisher
  1. Evolutionary Behavioral Sciences
Publication Date October 1, 2022
Publisher Identifier (DOI)
  1. https://doi.org/10.1037/ebs0000264
Deposited January 04, 2023

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  • Created

    January 04, 2023 13:51 by Researcher Metadata Database

  • Added Ugly_or_weak_-_Harrison_preproof.pdf

    January 04, 2023 13:51 by Researcher Metadata Database

  • Added Creator Marissa A. Harrison

    January 04, 2023 13:51 by Researcher Metadata Database

  • Added Creator Susan M. Hughes

    January 04, 2023 13:51 by Researcher Metadata Database

  • Published

    January 04, 2023 13:51 by Researcher Metadata Database

  • Updated Keyword, Description Show Changes

    July 17, 2023 12:58 by avs5190

    Keyword
    • Insults, Sex differences, Status, Formidability, Physical attractiveness
    Description
    • <p>Insulting comments are meant to demean a target. From the lens of evolutionary psychology, we theorized that the most used insults could be tied to evolved, sex-specific cues of mate value. We predicted that participants would ascribe as more insulting to men or to women phrases that derogate sex-specific cues of mate value. We analyzed both qualitative and quantitative data from 136 survey participants (age M = 21.2, SD = 6.1). Predictions were supported by notable consensus, and there were largely no sex differences in insult use. Most insults targeted at men derogated formidability/status and sexuality/gender, and most insults targeted at women derogated physical appearance and ascribed promiscuity. These qualities have been shown to be salient cues to mate viability for each sex, respectively. Limitations and future directions for research are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved) Commonly used insults appear to be tied to evolved, sex-specific cues of mate value. Typically, terms insulting men have been derogations of status/formidability and sexuality/gender, whereas terms insulting women have been derogations of physical appearance and ascriptions of promiscuity. There were virtually no sex differences in the use of common derogatory terms, and there was considerable agreement as to what terms are more insulting to each sex. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)</p>
    • <p>Insulting comments are meant to demean a target. From the lens of evolutionary psychology, we theorized that the most used insults could be tied to evolved, sex-specific cues of mate value. We predicted that participants would ascribe as more insulting to men or to women phrases that derogate sex-specific cues of mate value. We analyzed both qualitative and quantitative data from 136 survey participants (age M = 21.2, SD = 6.1). Predictions were supported by notable consensus, and there were largely no sex differences in insult use. Most insults targeted at men derogated formidability/status and sexuality/gender, and most insults targeted at women derogated physical appearance and ascribed promiscuity. These qualities have been shown to be salient cues to mate viability for each sex, respectively. Limitations and future directions for research are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved) </p>