mudslinging

[ muhd-sling-ing ]

noun

1. an attempt to discredit one's competitor, opponent, etc., by malicious or scandalous attacks.

mudslinging

/ ˈmʌdˌslɪŋɪŋ /

noun

1. casting malicious slurs on an opponent, esp in politics

Derived Forms

• ˈmudˌslinger, noun

Other Words From

• mudslinger noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of mudslinging¹

First recorded in 1880–85; mud + sling ¹( def ) + -ing ¹( def )

Example Sentences

It’s a tale of mutual mudslinging, racism and a bitter clash between labor and business.

From Voice of San Diego

I believe this kind of mudslinging makes Clinton more, not less, likely to run.

From The Daily Beast

Without these anonymous assassins, candidates would have to do their own mudslinging—right up front for the voters to see.

From The Daily Beast

Facing stiff competition as the incumbent in the 1828 election from Andrew Jackson, Adams took to musical mudslinging.

From The Daily Beast

Who says heterosexuals have a lock on greed, petty squabbling, and ugly mudslinging?

From The Daily Beast

And all that mudslinging came from the power players within the party.

From The Daily Beast