The Use of Wanghong as a Stigmatized By-name: A Note on Polarity Analysis and Topic Modeling Using NLP

Abstract

This note applies NLP-based polarity analysis and topic modeling to explore the stigmatization of the Chinese occupational by-name wanghong. Using over 40,000 Weibo posts (2014-2023), the study reveals a shift toward negative sentiment and identifies key thematic patterns. It demonstrates how NLP methods can support socio-onomastic inquiry by tracing affective and ideological dynamics in digital naming practices, while also offering an efficient and objective methodological approach for investigating other socially salient by-names.