Bullied

/ˈbʊlid/ verb, adjective

Definition

Intentionally harassed, intimidated, or hurt someone weaker or vulnerable; treated cruelly.

Etymology

From Dutch 'boel' or 'boele' (lover, brother), which evolved to mean 'blustering fellow' and then 'person who uses strength to intimidate.' Entered English in the 16th century.

Kelly Says

The word 'bully' originally meant a friend or buddy in Dutch—it's wild how the same word completely flipped meaning to describe someone who hurts others, showing how language can record cultural shifts in behavior.

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