The word "cheap" has a negative connotation. To determine this, you can consider the commonly understood meaning and associations with the word. In this case, "cheap" is often perceived as something of low quality, shoddy, or lacking value. It suggests something is inexpensive but may not be worth the price. Other words like "sale," "discounted," or "inexpensive" do not necessarily carry a negative connotation and can be seen as neutral or positive. Keep in mind that connotations can vary depending on the context and individual perspectives.