Scurrilous

/ˈskər.ɪ.ləs/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Making or spreading scandalous claims about someone with the intention of damaging their reputation.

The politician's scurrilous remarks during the debate were met with outrage from the audience.

Using vulgar or coarse language.

His scurrilous language during the interview led to a backlash from viewers.

Characterized by abusive or foul language.

The scurrilous nature of the articles published about her was shocking to her supporters.

Late Latin 'scurrilosus' meaning 'like a buffoon,' from 'scurra' meaning 'buffoon or jester.'

scurrilous gossip

Gossip that is malicious or intended to harm someone's reputation.

scurrilous attack

A verbal or written assault that is meant to destroy someone's reputation with lies or slander.

slander

The action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation.

libel

A published false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation; a written defamation.

defamation

The action of damaging the good reputation of someone; slander or libel.

Trash talk

That rap song is full of scurrilous trash talk about rival artists.

Throwing shade

Her scurrilous comments were just her way of throwing shade at the competition.