This thesis investigates the sociolinguistic functions and features of pejorative expressivity—specifically, ritualistic insults and jocular abuse—within in-group communication among friends in English and Uzbek contexts. Moving beyond a simplistic view of insults as purely aggressive, this study analyzes how such language serves to construct and reinforce social solidarity, negotiate group identity, and perform rapport within the boundaries of friendship circles. Employing a comparative pragmatic framework, the thesis examines the linguistic structures, semantic domains, and contextual rules governing this usage in both languages. It argues that while the core phatic and bonding functions are universal, their linguistic realization and contextual constraints are deeply shaped by specific cultural norms, particularly regarding concepts of "face," hierarchy, and permissible humor. Data considerations include ethnographic observation, discourse analysis of mediated communication, and metapragmatic interviews.
Shukhratjon Turgunov (Sat,) studied this question.