potshots
Unfair verbal jabs
Potshots are shots taken casually or opportunistically, without careful aim—originally at game killed merely for the cooking pot rather than for sport.
The word now primarily describes cheap criticisms or attacks, especially from a safe distance: Politicians took potshots at the proposal without offering alternatives.
To take potshots is to snipe or criticize without real engagement.
Contemptuous mocking treatment
- derisionContemptuous mockery
- tauntsMocking, provoking remarks
- sarcasmIrony used to mock
- sneersContemptuous facial expressions
scorn · jeers · belittlement · disdain · contempt · scoffing · snark · wisecracks
Quick, straight punches
- digsInformal term for home
- swipesTakes without permission
- barbsSharp points or jibes
- snipesAttacks from cover
attacks · jibes · zingers · put-downs · cracks · slams · knocks · hits
Blows thrown without warning
- blindsidingSurprising with sudden impact
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- hit-and-runLeaving after causing collision
- drive-byAttack from passing vehicle
surprise attacks · calculated · exploitative · predatory · below the belt · sniping · taking advantage · easy targets
Broadly unfocused approach
- haphazardLacking organization or plan
- indiscriminateLacking selective judgment
- aimlessHaving no direction
- hit-or-missLacking consistent results
unfocused · spray and pray · buckshot · unaimed · stray bullets · unplanned · untargeted · erratic
- gunfireDischarge of weapons
- picking offEliminating targets singly
- snipingShooting from hiding
- plinkingRecreational informal shooting
target practice · marksmanship · sharpshooting · firing · pelting · peppering · strafing · game hunting
ridicule
Contemptuous mocking treatment
sneers · scorn · jeers · belittlement · disdain · contempt · scoffing · snark · wisecracks · lampoons
jabs
Quick, straight punches
snipes · attacks · jibes · zingers · put-downs · cracks · slams · knocks · hits · broadsides
sucker punches
Blows thrown without warning
- blindsidingSurprising with sudden impact
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- hit-and-runLeaving after causing collision
drive-by · surprise attacks · calculated · exploitative · predatory · below the belt · sniping · taking advantage · easy targets · sitting ducks
scattershot
Broadly unfocused approach
- haphazardLacking organization or plan
- indiscriminateLacking selective judgment
- aimlessHaving no direction
hit-or-miss · unfocused · spray and pray · buckshot · unaimed · stray bullets · unplanned · untargeted · erratic
taking aim
- gunfireDischarge of weapons
- picking offEliminating targets singly
- snipingShooting from hiding
plinking · target practice · marksmanship · sharpshooting · firing · pelting · peppering · strafing · game hunting