Brickbat Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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brickbat

[หˆbrษชkหŒbรฆt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

criticism

A brickbat is a piece of broken brick. It is also used metaphorically to describe harsh criticism or negative remarks directed at someone or something.

Synonyms

attack, criticism, denunciation, rebuke.

Examples of usage

  • The politician faced a brickbat from the media after his controversial statement.
  • She threw brickbats at his decision to drop out of college.
  • The critics unleashed a volley of brickbats at the new film.
  • He was tired of receiving brickbats from his colleagues.
Context #2 | Noun

physical object

A brickbat also refers to a fragment of a brick that can be used in construction or as a projectile.

Synonyms

fragment, piece, shard.

Examples of usage

  • The builder used brickbats to fill the gaps in the wall.
  • A group of kids threw brickbats during the playful argument.
  • The architect suggested using brickbats for the new design.
  • He collected several brickbats to construct a small structure.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, 'brickbat' is often employed to convey sharp criticism in political or social commentary.
  • Prominent writers used the term to depict scathing critiques in their works, highlighting the power of language as a weapon.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase is frequently featured in newspaper headlines to signal controversies or heated debates.
  • Reality TV shows often showcase 'brickbat' moments where contestants exchange harsh insults for effect.

Psychology

  • Criticism often serves as a defense mechanism for individuals dealing with their own insecurities.
  • Understanding 'brickbat' responses can help in conflict resolution by highlighting communication patterns.

History

  • Historically, public figures have faced brickbats in the form of scathing reviews or attacks from the press.
  • Political figures throughout history have often sparked public outcry, resulting in brickbats as a form of backlash.

Origin of 'brickbat'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'brickbat' originated in the 16th century, combining 'brick' (a solid object) with 'bat', meaning to hit or strike.
  • Originally, a brickbat referred to an actual piece of brick used as a weapon, then evolved to describe verbal attacks.

The term 'brickbat' has its origins in the mid-19th century, deriving from the combination of 'brick', a traditional building material, and 'bat', which means a fragment or piece. The literal meaning refers to a broken piece of brick, but the figurative use evolved as a way to describe sharp, critical remarks that are thrown at individuals or ideas much like a physical brickbat could be thrown as a missile. Over time, it has been adopted in various contexts, especially in media and politics, to describe the act of criticizing or attacking someone publicly. The duality of its meaningsโ€”both as a physical object and as a tool for verbal assaultโ€”demonstrates the versatility of language and how words can gain new connotations based on societal usage.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,385, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.