Badmouths

To speak critically or disparagingly of someone or something; to criticize or defame, often behind their back. This involves spreading negative opinions, rumors, or accusations, with the intention of damaging someone's reputation or undermining their credibility. Badmouthing can range from mild criticism to severe slander, and it often stems from envy, resentment, or a desire for social dominance. It's a form of verbal aggression that can have serious consequences for the target, potentially leading to social isolation, professional setbacks, or emotional distress.

Badmouths meaning with examples

• Sarah constantly badmouths her colleagues to the manager, hoping to gain favor and be promoted. Her gossiping creates a toxic work environment, undermining team morale and trust.
• Despite their previous friendship, after their falling out, Mark started badmouthing John at every opportunity, spreading rumors about his personal life and professional failings.
• The online community was rife with users badmouthing the new software update, citing numerous bugs and performance issues that they found frustrating.
• The political rivals routinely badmouth each other during debates and in campaign advertisements, focusing on personal attacks instead of policy differences.
• Rather than address her concerns directly, she chose to badmouth her partner to her friends, fueling unnecessary drama and escalating the conflict.