Why do people use the word liberal so loosely and with contempt?

Dennisville - Why do people use the word liberal so loosely and with contempt? What if you're someone who is pro-life, financially conservative, not racist, not offended with someone's alternate lifestyle, not freaked out about gun ownership, and believe that we need a more equitable tax structure and immigration reform? Liberal is a misnomer and just another way to categorize people with animosity.