What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
badmouth
Example
She always badmouths her coworkers, spreading rumors and talking negatively about them. [badmouths: verb]
Example
Don't listen to him, he's just badmouthing the restaurant because he had a bad experience. [badmouthing: gerund or present participle]
slander
Example
He was sued for slander after spreading false accusations about his ex-business partner. [sued: past tense]
Example
The politician was accused of slander for making false claims about his opponent during the debate. [slander: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Badmouth is more commonly used than slander in everyday language. Badmouth is a colloquial term that is often used in casual conversations, while slander is more formal and typically used in legal or professional settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between badmouth and slander?
While badmouth is associated with a casual and informal tone, slander is a more formal term used in legal contexts. Badmouth can be used in both formal and informal situations, while slander is primarily used in formal or legal settings.
