brickbats

Verbal attacks hurled

Brickbats are harsh criticisms or verbal attacks.

The word comes from the literal sense—a piece of broken brick used as a weapon or missile—but now almost always appears figuratively: The proposal drew brickbats from both sides of the aisle.

Often paired with bouquets to contrast criticism and praise: The film received both brickbats and bouquets from critics.

criticism

censure

Formal institutional disapproval

condemnationSevere disapproval expressed formally
denunciationFormal public accusation
reproachExpression of disappointment

rebuke · castigation · excoriation · opprobrium · vituperation · invective · tirade · diatribe · harangue · broadside

projectile

stone

Solid earth fragment

rockSolid earthen material
rubbleBroken building fragments
chunkThick solid piece

debris · missile · pelting · hurling · volley · barrage · bombardment · stoning · pellet · shard

insult

slur

Insulting group label

tauntInsulting provocation
jeerVocal expression of scorn
jibeAgree or correspond

sneer · barb · gibe · cut · dig · slight · affront · aspersion · slander · put-down

Opposites

criticism vs. praise

brickbatsbouquets

Tied arrangements of blooms

praise · accolades · plaudits · compliments · kudos

Family

brickbat

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG