Insults and Aspersions

Insults and Aspersions Insults and Aspersions Insults and Aspersions By Maeve Maddox Like the rabbit Thumper in Bambi, I was brought up on the admonition, â€Å"if you can’t say nuthin’ nice, don’t say nuthin’ at all.† How times have changed! Not only has insult come to pervade public discourse, the Web abounds with insult generators to assist the invective-challenged. For instance, creative types who want to add a little class to their abuse can consult a Shakespearean insult generator. The word insult derives from Latin insultare, â€Å"to attack†; literally, â€Å"to jump on.† In medicine, an insult is anything that attacks or causes injury to the body. The verb insult means to display a scornful attitude towards someone by speech or behavior. As I have always understood the word, an insult is a deliberate attack on someone’s feelings, but there’s some evidence that for some folks, even a remark devoid of hurtful intention may be construed as an insult if it disagrees with one’s own views. This is from an article offering advice about how to respond to insults: It can be hard to know what to do when someone makes a thoughtful remark that is insulting to your convictions, values or beliefs I can see how one person’s â€Å"thoughtful remark† might be offensive to someone of differing beliefs, but I don’t see how it’s insulting. Here are some synonyms for the noun insult: jibe affront slight barb slur indignity injury libel slander declamation abuse [uh-BYUS] disparagement aspersion (usually in the plural) dig crack put-down slap in the face kick in the teeth cheap shot low blow Here are synonyms for the verb to insult: abuse [uh-BYUZE] be rude to slight disparage discredit libel slander malign defame denigrate cast aspersions on call someone names put someone down affront humiliate wound badmouth dis calumniate Note on aspersions: A reader asked me if one can do anything with aspersions other than cast them. The answer seems to be, â€Å"No.† The word aspersions comes from the verb asperse, â€Å"to besprinkle or bespatter.† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:The Yiddish Handbook: 40 Words You Should Know11 Writing Exercises to Inspire You and Strengthen Your Writing55 "House" Idioms

Famous Office Space Quotes

Famous Office Space Quotes If you are looking for funny quotations about work or quotes from the movie Office Space, here is a page you will enjoy. These quotes are about working in an office. And they are hilarious! Peter Gibbons: What if were still doin this when were 50?Samir: It would be nice to have that kind of job security.Bob Slydell: What would you say ya do here?Tom Smykowski: Well look, I already told you! I deal with the goddamn customers so the engineers dont have to! I have people skills! I am good at dealing with people! Cant you understand that? What the hell is wrong with you people?Peter Gibbons: Our high school guidance counselor used to ask us what youd do if you had a million dollars and you didnt have to work. And invariably what youd say was supposed to be your career. So, if you wanted to fix old cars youre supposed to be an auto mechanic. Samir: So what did you say?Peter Gibbons: I never had an answer. I guess thats why Im working at Initech.Peter Gibbons: Hes going to ask me to work on Sunday and Im going to do it because Im a pussy, which is why I work at Initech in the first place.Michael Bolton: Hey, I work at Initech and I dont consider myself a pussy.Samir: Yes, I a m also not a pussy. Samir: No one in this country can ever pronounce my name right. Its not that hard: Na-ee-ana-jaad. Nayanajaad.Michael Bolton: Yeah, well at least your name isnt Michael Bolton.Samir: You know theres nothing wrong with that name.Michael Bolton: There was nothing wrong with it... until that no-talent ass clown became famous and started winning Grammys.Samir: Hmm... well why dont you just go by Mike instead of Michael?Michael Bolton: No way! Why should I change? Hes the one who sucks.