slam on
1
8.2
- noun
- Informal
:
crítica dura
- His comments were seen as a slam on her character.
Examples
-
The article was a clear slam on the government's policies.
-
The article received a harsh slam on its lack of research and depth.
-
Many took the review as a slam on the entire industry.
-
What a harsh slam on!
-
The slam on the restaurant's service was unexpected!
-
Her speech included a slam on the government's decision to cut funding for education.
-
Critics delivered a strong slam on the movie for its poor writing and character development.
Synonyms
175
5.9
A short angry remark meant to hurt or criticize someone
34
6.3
An insulting remark meant to hurt someone
32
4.4
Harsh repeated criticism of a person or their ideas
31
6.7
A pointed remark meant to hurt or criticize
30
5.3
A remark that criticizes someone or something in a negative way
27
9.5
Bitter, angry language that attacks people
23
8.5
A long angry attack in words against someone or something
14
6.4
A short sharp remark meant to hurt or criticize someone
11
7.7
A sharp remark that humiliates someone in an argument
7
5.2
An unfair comment that attacks someone who cannot defend themselves
6
8.4
Saying or writing very harsh and unfair things about someone to damage their reputation
4
4.2
Very strong negative comments that show disapproval
2
4.9
Using insulting words to hurt or shame someone instead of discussing the problem
2
8.8
Angry, critical comments aimed at someone in public
1
9.3
A sharp insulting remark about someone or their actions
1
7.9
A strong criticism that attacks a person or idea
A very harsh and angry comment meant to hurt someone
A remark that is harsh and meant to hurt someone's feelings
A strong mocking criticism of someone's words or actions
Antonyms
How Harsh
- Informal
1
8.2
548
3.2
Surface Forms
Morphology
slam + on
The noun meaning 'a severe or harsh criticism directed at someone' is directly derivable from 'slam' (an insulting or biting remark) combined with the preposition 'on' indicating the target of the remark; together they transparently express an attack directed at someone. This target-oriented composition is common in English and other languages, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents would likely infer the MWE's meaning.
Etymology
Slam on The noun slam on comes from the verb slam, which means a hard, loud hit, and the word on shows it is aimed at someone; imagine words being dropped like a heavy board on a person, a strong hurtful blow. That's why a slam on means 'a harsh attack or criticism'.