There was a higher frequency of traits used to describe others that were considered to have negative connotation (desirability less than 5) than positive terms (higher than 6). 

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People used a greater variety of terms to describe people we don't like compared to those that we like and a greater number of terms for describing people they knew well. 

Results: Vocabulary for describing disliked persons is more differentiated than vocabulary for describing liked persons.

Leising, D., Ostrovski, O., & Borkenau, P. (2012). Vocabulary for describing disliked persons is more differentiated than vocabulary for describing liked persons. Journal of Research in Personality, 46(4), 393-396.

Vocabulary for Describing Disliked People is More Differentiated than Vocabulary for Describing Liked People

Figure 1: Trait Desirability Distribution Ratings

People used the most terms to describe themselves and someone they like and know well. However there was greater number of different terms for people that were not liked suggesting that we have a greater vocabulary for describing people we don't like. 

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