slur

[slɜːr]

slur Definition

• 1. an insinuation or allegation about someone that is likely to insult them or damage their reputation
• 2. a mark or stain that damages the appearance of something

Using slur: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "slur" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The politician made a slur against his opponent's character.

• Example

  The graffiti on the wall was a slur against the neighborhood.

• Example

  The wine stain left a slur on the carpet.

• Example

  The singer was criticized for using a racial slur in her song lyrics.

slur Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for slur

• smear
• stigma
• spot
• disparagement
• blemish

Antonyms for slur

• praise
• commendation

Idioms Using slur

• wipe the slate clean (of something)

  to forget or forgive past offenses or mistakes

  Example

  After apologizing, he hoped to wipe the slate clean of the racial slur he had made.

• throw mud at someone

  to make false accusations or insinuations about someone in order to damage their reputation

  Example

  The opposing candidate threw mud at him during the election campaign.

• give someone a black eye

  to damage someone's reputation or cause them embarrassment

  Example

  The scandal gave the company a black eye in the media.

Phrases with slur

• slur over

  to treat something quickly or superficially, without giving it the attention it deserves

  Example

  He slurred over the details of the project during the presentation.

• cast a slur on

  to make an insulting or damaging insinuation about someone or something

  Example

  The article cast a slur on the reputation of the company.

• slur one's words

  to speak unclearly or indistinctly, often due to drunkenness or illness

  Example

  He had too much to drink and began to slur his words.

Origins of slur

from Middle English 'scluren', meaning 'to drag the feet, shuffle'

📌

Summary: slur in Brief

The term 'slur' [slɜːr] refers to an insinuation or allegation that insults or damages someone's reputation. It can also refer to a mark or stain that damages the appearance of something. Examples include 'The politician made a slur against his opponent's character.' and 'The wine stain left a slur on the carpet.' Phrases like 'slur over' denote treating something superficially, while idioms like 'throw mud at someone' describe making false accusations to damage someone's reputation.