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). 

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. 

Table 1: Vocab for Disliked and Liked Others

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. 

Alma College

This study sought to investigate if there was a greater number of negative terms used to describe people than positive terms. They asked participants to come up with terms to describe people that they like and don't like and know-well and don't know-well.

Terms for Describing Disliked Others is More Differentiated Than Those for Liked Others

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.

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