poison-pen letter
Anonymous hateful correspondence
A poison-pen letter is an anonymous letter containing malicious, abusive, or threatening content.
The writer hides behind anonymity to spread rumors, make accusations, or intimidate without accountability: Someone had been sending poison-pen letters to everyone in the office.
The term dates from an era when such messages arrived by mail rather than email.
Expressing intent to harm
- menacingConveying threat or danger
- coercionPressured compliance through threats
- blackmailCoercion through damaging threats
- extortionObtaining through threats
terrorizing · warning · ultimatum · demand · pressure · duress · frightening · ominous
Spoken false defamation
- libelPrinted defamation
- smearSpread or defame
- accusationClaim someone did wrong
- allegationAssertion lacking proof
rumor · gossip · character assassination · innuendo · insinuation · false accusation · vilification · mudslinging
Of unknown origin
- unsignedBearing no signature
- namelessWithout any designation
- unidentifiedNot yet recognized
- pseudonymousUsing a false name
untraceable · covert · secretive · disguised · hidden · veiled · concealed · clandestine
Petty malicious intent
- vengeanceRetaliation for injury
- hatredIntense hostile aversion
- malevolenceActive ill will
- bitternessSharp, unpleasant taste or feeling
hostility · animosity · resentment · ill-will · cruelty · vitriol · enmity · vindictiveness
threatening
Expressing intent to harm
- menacingConveying threat or danger
- coercionPressured compliance through threats
- blackmailCoercion through damaging threats
extortion · terrorizing · warning · ultimatum · demand · pressure · duress · frightening · ominous · sinister
slander
Spoken false defamation
- libelPrinted defamation
- smearSpread or defame
- accusationClaim someone did wrong
allegation · rumor · gossip · character assassination · innuendo · insinuation · false accusation · vilification · mudslinging · disparagement
anonymous
Of unknown origin
- unsignedBearing no signature
- namelessWithout any designation
- unidentifiedNot yet recognized
pseudonymous · untraceable · covert · secretive · disguised · hidden · veiled · concealed · clandestine · incognito
spite
Petty malicious intent
- vengeanceRetaliation for injury
- hatredIntense hostile aversion
- malevolenceActive ill will
bitterness · hostility · animosity · resentment · ill-will · cruelty · vitriol · enmity · vindictiveness · acrimony
recipient
One who receives something
distress · anxiety · fear · paranoia · trauma · reputation · damage · humiliation · shame · disgrace
poison-pen letterthank-you note
Letter acknowledging a kindness
fan letter · love letter · fan mail · billet-doux · mash note
poison-pen letteropen letter
Published correspondence for everyone
letter to the editor · personal correspondence · personal letter
poison, letter, poisons, poisoned, poisoning, poisonous, poisoner, penned, letters