Severe criticism or verbal attack against someone or something. Can also refer to physical violence or assault.
From the verb 'bash', of unknown origin but possibly imitative of the sound of heavy blows. First recorded in the 17th century, the word extended from physical striking to verbal attacks by the 20th century.
The progression from physical 'bashing' to verbal 'bashing' reflects how violence metaphors permeate our language - we 'attack' arguments, 'demolish' theories, and 'crush' opposition. This linguistic pattern shows how humans conceptualize harsh criticism as a form of combat, making abstract disagreement feel viscerally physical.
Gay-bashing, slut-shaming, and woman-bashing entered discourse as normalized critique. Male-targeted 'bashing' (e.g., 'dad-bashing') carries less moral weight and less likelihood of triggering violence.
Use 'criticism' or 'critique' for substantive disagreement. Reserve 'bashing' for physical violence or coordinated harassment campaigns.
["criticism","critique","opposition"]
Targets of group-based violence (women, LGBTQ+, minorities) have mobilized language reclamation to resist dehumanizing rhetoric.
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