mudsling
Attack through smears
To mudsling is to hurl insults or accusations, especially in political campaigns.
The term evokes literally throwing mud—attempting to make an opponent dirty rather than winning on merit.
Mudslinging has become standard practice in attack ads and debates: Both candidates spent more time mudslinging than discussing policy.
Spread or defame
- attackAggressive act against another
- campaignOrganized effort toward goal
- negativeOpposite of affirmative
- opponentOne who contends against
ad · accusation · rival · slander · defamation · propaganda · election · candidate
Offensive remark or action
- gossipInformal talk spreading rumors
- backstabBetray someone's trust
- slanderSpoken false defamation
- reputationCollective opinion of someone
rumor · accusation · character · defame · trash-talk · badmouth · disparage · smear
smear
Spread or defame
- attackAggressive act against another
- campaignOrganized effort toward goal
- negativeOpposite of affirmative
opponent · ad · accusation · rival · slander · defamation · propaganda · election · candidate · debate
insult
Offensive remark or action
reputation · rumor · accusation · character · defame · trash-talk · badmouth · disparage · smear · rivalry
mudslingcivil discourse
Respectful exchange of views
reasoned argument · constructive criticism · measured response · decorum