scurrilous
Coarsely insulting, false
Scurrilous describes language or accusations that are vulgar, abusive, and often wildly unfounded: scurrilous attacks on her character, a scurrilous tabloid.
The word suggests not just insult but gleeful, underhanded nastiness—the kind of slander that trades in rumor and innuendo rather than honest criticism.
Causing harm or insult
- vituperativeHarshly condemning in speech
- invectiveAbusive denunciation
- contemptuousShowing open disrespect
- derisiveExpressing contemptuous ridicule
mocking · taunting · scornful · belittling · demeaning · degrading · disrespectful · opprobrious
Falsely damaging to reputation
- libelousFalsely damaging someone's reputation
- calumniousFalsely accusatory and harmful
- vilifyingMaliciously disparaging someone
- maligningSaying false, harmful things
disparaging · denigrating · smearing · besmirching · traducing · backbiting · mudslinging · character assassination
Grossly offensive to decency
- profaneIrreverent toward the sacred
- ribaldVulgarly amusing
- bawdyHumorously indecent
- lewdObscenely sexual
indecent · crude · raunchy · filthy · smutty · foul-mouthed · coarse · gross
Informal talk spreading rumors
- tabloidSensationalist newspaper format
- sensationalistOne who inflames reactions
- salaciousLewdly interested in intimacy
- titillatingPleasurably stimulating, often sensually
lurid · shocking · shameful · disreputable · sleazy · tittle-tattle · rumormonger · yellow journalism
abusive
Causing harm or insult
- vituperativeHarshly condemning in speech
- invectiveAbusive denunciation
- contemptuousShowing open disrespect
derisive · mocking · taunting · scornful · belittling · demeaning · degrading · disrespectful · opprobrious · scathing
slanderous
Falsely damaging to reputation
- libelousFalsely damaging someone's reputation
- calumniousFalsely accusatory and harmful
- vilifyingMaliciously disparaging someone
maligning · disparaging · denigrating · smearing · besmirching · traducing · backbiting · mudslinging · character assassination · impugning
obscene
Grossly offensive to decency
lewd · indecent · crude · raunchy · filthy · smutty · foul-mouthed · coarse · gross · blue
gossip
Informal talk spreading rumors
- tabloidSensationalist newspaper format
- sensationalistOne who inflames reactions
- salaciousLewdly interested in intimacy
titillating · lurid · shocking · shameful · disreputable · sleazy · tittle-tattle · rumormonger · yellow journalism · exposé
scurrilouslaudatory
Expressing strong approval
complimentary · praiseful · encomiastic · eulogistic · praising