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Glite Dictionary
💥 To hit from side 🚗 A side crash 💬 A quick insult
sideswipe

sideswipe

7.4
A quick indirect remark that criticizes someone
  • noun
  • /ˈsaɪdˌswaɪp/
  • Offensive
translation icon : indirecta
  • TCU's athletic director took a nice sideswipe at the MWC TV package by saying ESPN offered them nationwide coverage and exposure.

Examples

  • In her review, the critic made a biting sideswipe at the director's last film, calling it uninspired and predictable.

  • The politician delivered a clever sideswipe at his opponent during the debate, highlighting his opponent's past failures.

  • While discussing the new policy, she took a subtle sideswipe at the previous administration's decisions.

Antonyms

compliment
342 1.6

A polite remark that praises someone or something

to praise
331 1.0

To tell a person that you admire or approve of them

How Harsh

attack
548 3.2
sideswipe
  • Offensive
7.4
dig
  • Offensive
33 8.1

Surface Forms

sideswipe singular
sideswipes plural

Morphology

sideswipe = side + swipe (semi-transparent) = side + swipe

The compound base is clear, but the sense is a figurative extension (a glancing verbal attack), so the exact pragmatic nuance is not fully predictable from the components for all learners.

Etymology

Sideswipe for a remark uses the same image of side + swipe, where swipe means 'a quick, sweeping hit'. That's why a sideswipe can mean a short, indirect insult that feels like a quick hit to someone's reputation.