Badmouthed: meaning, definitions and examples
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badmouthed
[ ˈbædˌmaʊθd ]
speaking ill
To badmouth someone means to speak negatively about them, especially in a way that could harm their reputation. This can include making derogatory remarks, spreading rumors, or criticizing their actions unfairly. Badmouthing can happen in various settings, such as workplaces, schools, or social circles, and often leads to conflicts and misunderstandings. People might engage in badmouthing out of jealousy, anger, or frustration.
Synonyms
defame, denigrate, disparage, slander, vilify.
Examples of usage
- He was badmouthed by his former colleagues.
- She didn't appreciate being badmouthed behind her back.
- The politician was badmouthed in the media.
- It's unprofessional to badmouth your competitors.
Translations
Translations of the word "badmouthed" in other languages:
🇵🇹 difamado
🇮🇳 बुरा कहने वाला
🇩🇪 schlecht über jemanden sprechen
🇮🇩 memfitnah
🇺🇦 погано відгукуватися
🇵🇱 zniesławiony
🇯🇵 悪口を言う
🇫🇷 mal dit
🇪🇸 difamado
🇹🇷 kötü konuşmuş
🇰🇷 나쁜 말을 한
🇸🇦 تشويه السمعة
🇨🇿 pomluvený
🇸🇰 ohovorený
🇨🇳 诽谤
🇸🇮 obdelan
🇮🇸 illa tala um
🇰🇿 жаман айту
🇬🇪 ბოროტად ლაპარაკობ
🇦🇿 pis danışmaq
🇲🇽 hablar mal de
Etymology
The term 'badmouth' originated in the 20th century, combining the words 'bad' and 'mouth' to convey the action of speaking unfavorably about someone. The 'bad' component emphasizes the negative aspect of the speech, while 'mouth' references the act of speaking. The phrase has evolved in usage and has become prevalent in both casual conversation and in more serious discussions about reputation and integrity. In contemporary culture, badmouthing is often highlighted in contexts such as social media, where individuals can easily spread negative information about others, sometimes without regard to truth or fairness. As a result, badmouthing has gained notoriety, especially when associated with bullying or workplace harassment, prompting discussions about the impact of negative speech on mental health and relationships.