Containing false statements meant to damage someone's reputation through spoken words.
From Middle English 'slander,' derived from Old French 'escandre,' ultimately from Latin 'scandalum' meaning 'stumbling block' or 'offense.' The -ous suffix means 'full of.' Over time it came to mean spreading false rumors.
Slander has a legal definition—it's specifically false statements spoken out loud that hurt someone's reputation, which is why it's different from 'libel' (written lies). Comedians and satirists have to be careful not to cross into slanderous territory!
Slander accusations historically weaponized against women—particularly regarding sexual reputation—more harshly than men; women faced social ruin while men's slanders often dismissed as boasting. Legal consequences differed by gender.
Use 'slanderous' clinically for false defamatory statements; specify what harm is claimed rather than relying on gendered reputation standards.
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