Word of the Day
October 20, 2023
Calumnies
False statements maliciously made to injure another’s reputation; the utterance of maliciously false statements or slander; false accusations of crime, misconduct, or defect knowingly or maliciously made to injure another.
From Latin 'calumnia' meaning false accusation or trickery, derived from 'calvi' meaning to deceive or trick. The word entered English in the 15th century through Old French 'calomnie.'
Usage Examples
- The political operative spread calumnies about his opponent to damage her standing with voters.
- Responsible journalism requires distinguishing between legitimate criticism and calumnies designed to destroy reputations.
- Two of the former chairs of the Colorado State GOP party continue to utter calumnies against the grassroots.
From the Show
Kim Monson introduced calumnies during the October 20, 2023 episode, applying the term to false attacks against conservative grassroots activists by former party officials opposing Jim Jordan’s Speaker candidacy.