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epithet

epithet

17 8.7
An insulting word or phrase that hurts someone
  • noun
  • /ˈɛpɪˌθɛt/
  • Offensive
translation icon : insulto
  • She was shocked when he hurled a cruel epithet during their heated discussion.
  • homophobic epithets
  • racial epithet
  • the use of epithets

It's so much easier to just hurl an epithet and end the discussion.

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Examples

  • It's so much easier to just hurl an epithet and end the discussion.

  • There might be more to the accusatory epithet than meets the eye.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • As she crosses the picket line, they shout epithets at her.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • Many of those victimized were African Americans, and their assailants used racist epithets when they attacked.

    Academic text (1997)
  • Occasional curses and epithets hurl through the opening along with a flood of tears.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • During the argument, he resorted to using an epithet to insult his opponent.

  • Racial epithets have no place in a civil society; they only breed hate.

Synonyms

abuse
vsepithet
  • Offensive
155 3.4

Rude or insulting words said to hurt someone

is specifically a single insulting word or short phrase rather than extended language
slur
vsepithet
  • Offensive
54 7.4

An insulting remark that harms someone's reputation

covers insulting words or phrases that may or may not aim to harm reputation
slam
vsepithet
  • Offensive
34 6.3

An insulting remark meant to hurt someone

is any insulting word or short phrase that need not be an aggressive remark
aspersion
vsepithet
11 9.8

A remark that says bad things about someone to hurt their reputation

is a direct insulting word or phrase, not only remarks about reputation
ethnic slur
vsepithet
  • Offensive
3 9.9

An insulting word used to hurt people because of their race or nationality

covers insulting words or phrases generally, not only those aimed at identity
name calling
vsepithet
  • Offensive
2 4.9

Using insulting words to hurt or shame someone instead of discussing the problem

is one insulting word or phrase used, not the wider act of attacking conversationally
insulting remark
vsepithet
  • Offensive
1 3.2

A rude comment meant to hurt someone or show no respect

is usually a single insulting word or short phrase rather than a full statement
names
vsepithet
  • Offensive
5.6

Words someone says to hurt another person

is any insulting word or short phrase, not only crude language
revilement
vsepithet
  • Offensive
9.3

A set of harsh insulting words meant to hurt someone

is usually a single insulting word or short phrase rather than any remark
no-good ass
vsepithet
  • Offensive
9.9

A person who acts badly and cannot be trusted

is any insulting word or phrase, not only terms aimed at worthlessness
dysphemism
vsepithet
  • Offensive
9.9

An insulting word used instead of a more neutral one

is any insulting word or phrase without the deliberate neutral replacement idea

Antonyms

342 1.6

A polite remark that praises someone or something

161 1.0

Words or actions that show admiration for someone

Compounds

stock epithet
  • Literature
9.9

A repeating descriptive phrase used for a person or thing in stories

How Insulting

epithet
  • Offensive
17 8.7
insult
  • Offensive
313 1.3
taunt
  • Offensive
19 5.4

Surface Forms

epithet singular
epithets plural

Etymology

Epithet comes from Greek parts epi- 'on' and tithenai 'to place'. A helpful way to remember the insulting sense is to think of an epithet as a nasty label someone 'places on' a person in anger. So, an epithet can mean a rude or abusive word aimed at someone.