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mudslinging

noun

/ˈmʌdˌslɪŋ ɪŋ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of mudslinging

The act of making malicious or slanderous attacks against someone's character or reputation, especially in the context of political or personal conflicts.
"The political debate quickly devolved into mudslinging and personal attacks."

Detailed meaning of mudslinging

It involves the use of derogatory statements, unfounded accusations, and inflammatory remarks with the intention of damaging the target's credibility or public image. Mudslinging often relies on spreading rumors, engaging in personal insults, and exaggerating or distorting the truth to manipulate public opinion and gain an advantage in a competitive situation. It is a strategy commonly employed during political campaigns, where opponents engage in aggressive tactics to undermine each other's credibility and win support. Mudslinging can have a detrimental effect on public discourse, as it diverts attention from substantive issues and focuses instead on personal attacks. While mudslinging may be effective in tarnishing reputations temporarily, it can erode public trust and contribute to a climate of negativity and polarization.

Example sentences containing mudslinging

1. The candidate's campaign resorted to mudslinging to discredit their opponent.
2. Mudslinging has become a common tactic in modern politics.
3. The media coverage of the scandal was filled with mudslinging and sensationalism.
4. Public discourse suffers when mudslinging becomes the norm.
5. The mudslinging during the election campaign turned voters away from both candidates.
6. Mudslinging only serves to distract from the real issues at hand.

History and etymology of mudslinging

The noun 'mudslinging' has an etymology rooted in the metaphorical use of the word 'mud.' In this context, 'mud' symbolizes defamatory or slanderous statements that aim to tarnish a person's character or reputation. The term 'mudslinging' combines 'mud' with the suffix '-slinging,' which is often used to create nouns describing the act of hurling or launching something. So, 'mudslinging' can be understood as the act of figuratively 'hurling mud' at someone's character or reputation. This term has particularly gained prominence in the context of political or personal conflicts, where negative campaigning and character attacks are unfortunately common tactics.

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Further usage examples of mudslinging

1. The candidate's reputation was tarnished by the mudslinging from their opponents.
2. The debate became heated with accusations and mudslinging from both sides.
3. The public grew weary of the constant mudslinging and yearned for substantive policy discussions.
4. The mudslinging between the rival companies escalated into a full-blown public feud.
5. Mudslinging rarely leads to productive dialogue or meaningful solutions.
6. The election campaign was marred by relentless mudslinging.
7. Public discourse suffers from the constant mudslinging.
8. Mudslinging only serves to undermine trust in politics.
9. The debate turned into a session of petty mudslinging.
10. Personal vendettas often lead to bitter mudslinging.
11. The media has a responsibility to avoid sensational mudslinging.
12. Mudslinging can distract from the real issues at hand.
13. Social media amplifies the toxicity of online mudslinging.
14. Political mudslinging can alienate voters from the process.
15. He remained calm in the face of relentless mudslinging.
16. Mudslinging has become a regrettable norm in modern politics.
17. Meaningful dialogue is often drowned out by mudslinging.
18. The public is tired of the constant political mudslinging.
19. Mudslinging rarely leads to constructive solutions.
20. The debate turned into a forum for personal mudslinging.
21. Journalists should avoid engaging in petty mudslinging.
22. Mudslinging can harm the reputation of both parties involved.
23. The campaign took a negative turn with mudslinging ads.
24. Personalities clash, leading to intense mudslinging battles.
25. Mudslinging diminishes the credibility of those who engage in it.