mudslingers
Those spreading dirt
Mudslingers are people who make malicious or scandalous attacks on others, especially in political contexts.
The term evokes literally throwing mud—getting someone dirty with accusations whether true or not.
The campaign devolved into a contest between mudslingers.
Mudslinging is the practice; to sling mud is to engage in it.
Negative campaign commercials
- smear campaignOrganized defamation effort
- negative campaigningAttacking opponents during elections
- opposition researchInvestigating adversaries for damaging information
- dirty politicsUnethical campaign tactics
scandal · defamation · slander · character assassination · propaganda · spin doctors · tabloids · whisper campaign
Aggressive celebrity photographers
- yellow journalismReporting prioritizing shock value
- sensationalismOverhyped news coverage
- scandal sheetsSensationalist gossip publications
- exposéInvestigative journalism piece
muckrakers · clickbait · hit pieces · sleaze · gutter press · defamation · libel · salacious
Unpaved racing course
- motocrossOff-road motorcycle racing
- rallycrossMixed-surface track competition
- off-road racingMotorsport on unpaved surfaces
- mud bogWaterlogged soil pit
monster trucks · ATV racing · enduro · mud tires · splatter · roost · ruts · course
attack ads
Negative campaign commercials
- smear campaignOrganized defamation effort
- negative campaigningAttacking opponents during elections
- opposition researchInvestigating adversaries for damaging information
dirty politics · scandal · defamation · slander · character assassination · propaganda · spin doctors · tabloids · whisper campaign · hit piece
paparazzi
Aggressive celebrity photographers
- yellow journalismReporting prioritizing shock value
- sensationalismOverhyped news coverage
- scandal sheetsSensationalist gossip publications
exposé · muckrakers · clickbait · hit pieces · sleaze · gutter press · defamation · libel · salacious · smear
dirt track
Unpaved racing course
- motocrossOff-road motorcycle racing
- rallycrossMixed-surface track competition
- off-road racingMotorsport on unpaved surfaces
mud bog · monster trucks · ATV racing · enduro · mud tires · splatter · roost · ruts · course · terrain
- criticscritic, critics, criticizer, criticizers, faultfinder
mudslingershonest brokers
Impartial third-party facilitators
straight shooters · truth-tellers · policy wonks · statesmen · gentlemen
mudslingerspeacemakers
Those who resolve conflicts
defenders · apologists · praisers · champions · conciliators