📜 Cast Aspersions, To 🎭
“To cast aspersions” means to make a derogatory or highly critical remark, often unjustly. The term traces its roots to an older use of the verb “to asperse,” which means to sprinkle or scatter, and “aspersion,” which once referred to a shower or spray. Shakespeare might ask, “What’s in an aspersion?” Well, it’s a targeted splash of censure!
Related Terms
- Denigrate 🖤: To speak damagingly of; criticize in a derogatory manner.
- Slander ✍️: A false and malicious spoken statement.
- Vilify 🗣️: To speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner.
- Besmirch 🎭: To damage the reputation of someone or something in the eyes of others.
Synonyms
- Criticize
- Defame
- Decry
- belittle
Antonyms
- Praise
- Compliment
- Commend
- Applaud
Humor-filled Quotes
- “To cast aspersions is to throw words like water balloons, always messy and often uncalled for.” - W. T. Wittywords
- “Aspersions are like catnip for critics—they just can’t resist!” - N. Proverbial Witz
Proverbs
- “People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones”: An older cousin of the idiom, it’s a reminder to think twice before hurling criticisms indiscriminately. 🪟🪨
Literary References
- The Rivals by Richard Brinsley Sheridan: The exact line from Mrs. Malaprop is a classical nod to how even our speech can be open to undue criticism.
Book Recommendations
- The Art of Criticism: On Critique Without Aspersion 📚 by L. E. Truthsayer
- Bouncing Back: Tales from the Tale-bearer ✨ by S. C. Barbed
Movie Recommendations
- Mean Girls (2004): A dive into high school life where casting aspersions becomes a way of survival. 🏫
- The Devil Wears Prada (2006): The high-strung fashion world where “…aspersions are an accessory!” 👜
Song Recommendations
- “Sharp Dressed Man” by ZZ Top - Because nothing goes better with casting aspersions than a sharp suit. 👔
- “Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift - A suitable anthem for when the aspersions get personal. 🎶
### Which phrase means to speak critically?
- [x] Cast aspersions
- [ ] Paint rainbows
- [ ] Knit kindness
- [ ] Jump for joy
> **Explanation:** "Cast aspersions" means to make a highly critical or derogatory remark, often unjustly. The others are more suited for an overly cheerful day in the park.
### Spot the genuine idiom:
- [ ] Toss bouquets of words
- [ ] Mend bridges with whiskers
- [x] Throw shade
- [ ] Dance with wolves
> **Explanation:** "Throw shade" is a modern idiom meaning to express contempt or disdain publicly, similar to casting aspersions.
### True or False: 'Casting aspersions' is an idiom for making complimentary remarks.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False. "Casting aspersions" means to make negative or critical remarks, not compliments.
Inspirational Thought for the Day:
Sometimes, the best thing to cast aren’t aspersions but seeds of encouragement. 🌱 Remember, what you scatter has the power to grow into something beautiful or something bitter. Choose wisely.
Kind regards, W. T. Wittywords
