put-down
Definition
Noun: A put-down is a remark or comment that is intended to make someone feel stupid, worthless, or humiliated. It is a form of verbal criticism or insult designed to belittle another person.
Usage
A put-down is used to describe a specific, often clever or sarcastic, insulting statement. It focuses on the act of verbally diminishing someone's confidence or status. - It is typically used in informal contexts. - It often describes a remark made in social situations, arguments, or competitive environments.
Examples
- Her constant put-downs about his cooking made him reluctant to try new recipes.
- He tried to laugh it off, but his colleague's put-down in the meeting really hurt his feelings.
- That wasn't constructive criticism; it was just a cruel put-down.
Advanced Usage
- As a compound noun: The term is almost exclusively used in its hyphenated form, put-down, to function as a countable noun (e.g., , ).
- Contextual nuance: A skilled put-down can be delivered with humor or wit, but its primary intent is still to insult or demean.
Variants and Related Words
- Put down (phrasal verb): To insult, belittle, or criticize someone.
- Insult (noun): A more general term for an offensive remark.
- Barb (noun): A sharp, critical remark.
- Slight (noun): An act of discourtesy or disrespect.
Synonyms
- Insult
- Slur
- Dig
- Barb
- Slight
- Cutting remark
- Humiliation
Antonyms
- Compliment
- Praise
- Flattery
- Accolade
Related Phrases and Idioms
- To deliver a put-down: To make an insulting remark.
- He's famous for delivering witty put-downs during debates.
- A crushing put-down: An especially effective or devastating insult.
- Her silence after his argument was the most crushing put-down of all.
Noun
-
a crushing remark
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