Here's why:
* Performative speech act: These acts don't simply describe something, but rather *do* something by being uttered. Saying "I promise to..." actually creates a promise, and saying "I apologize..." actually performs an apology.
* Abusive/Offensive: Insults are designed to be hurtful and disrespectful. They aim to attack the target's character, intelligence, or appearance, causing emotional distress.
It's important to note that the classification of an insult as a speech act can be complex. Sometimes, an insult may be intended as a joke or a playful tease, depending on the context and the relationship between the speaker and listener. However, in its core function, an insult is a performative act aimed at causing offense.