Brickbat Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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brickbat
brick-bat
Definitions
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.
physical object
A brickbat also refers to a fragment of a brick that can be used in construction or as a projectile.
Synonyms
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.
Quick facts about “brickbat”
Brickbat is a 2-syllable noun (brick-bat). It is pronounced /ˈbɹɪkˌbæt/ in American English and /bɹˈɪkbæt/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 2 meanings, 7 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #40,385 among the most common English words.
Did you know?
“brickbat” in 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.
“brickbat” in 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.
“brickbat” in 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.
“brickbat” in 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 meanings—both as a physical object and as a tool for verbal assault—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.