malicious words

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "malicious words" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe words that are intended to harm or hurt someone emotionally or psychologically. Example: "The malicious words spoken during the argument left a lasting impact on their friendship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Witnesses testified that Frizer and Marlowe had earlier argued over the bill, exchanging "divers malicious words".

Wikipedia

Don't spread "gossip, rumor, innuendos, unkindness, malicious words, or physical anger".

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He was a man of deep charm and generosity of spirit, who during 50 years of friendship I never heard speak a negative or malicious word about anyone.

The Guardian - Books

In 2015, the hackers were able to infiltrate the systems of companies responsible for distributing electricity throughout Ukraine by sending highly-tailored emails to employees with a malicious Word document attached.

Vice

I would call Raab's emissions doublethink, except this term includes the word think, and excludes the words malicious idiot.

The Guardian - Opinion

As a result, it has become increasingly difficult to distinguish between "suspicious and malicious", in his words.

TechCrunch

"Nine different email accounts were targeted in an attempt at what is called 'spear phishing,' in other words, malicious emails," PST official Arne Christian Haugstoyl told TV2.

Huffington Post

In other words, new malicious files can only be detected after they've been found elsewhere in a company's anti-malware network.

Forbes

Malicious and unsportsmanlike are two words the image-conscious Rodriguez does not want attached to him, but his behavior was dubious.

The New York Times - Sports

At his family home in Hall Green, a suburb of Birmingham, Begg uses words such as malicious, and vindictive, when asked to explain what he believes may have been behind his arrest last February.

The Guardian

This was the crux of Doniger's own statement, released on Tuesday: the "true villain," she wrote, was the section of the Indian Penal Code that criminalizes, in its words, "deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "malicious words" to specifically describe language intended to cause harm, not just any negative comment. Its strength lies in conveying deliberate intent.

Common error

Avoid using "malicious words" for minor disagreements or light teasing. The phrase carries a strong connotation of intended harm, making it unsuitable for trivial situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "malicious words" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "malicious" modifies the noun "words." It describes words characterized by the intent to cause harm or pain. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "malicious words" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe language intended to cause harm. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. While relatively rare in occurrence, it appears in contexts related to news and general information. When using this phrase, ensure that the context aligns with the serious connotation of intentional harm, and consider alternatives like "hurtful words" or "offensive language" for more nuanced descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hurtful words

Focuses on the emotional impact of the words.

offensive language

Highlights the potentially insulting nature of the speech.

defamatory statements

Emphasizes the damage to someone's reputation.

abusive language

Suggests a pattern of verbal mistreatment.

slanderous remarks

Highlights the false and damaging nature of the comments.

venomous words

Implies a strong sense of hatred or spite.

derogatory terms

Focuses on the belittling effect of the vocabulary used.

scathing criticism

Describes harsh and intensely negative feedback.

vicious rumors

Highlights the destructive potential of gossip.

harmful gossip

Emphasizes the negative impact of spreading rumors.

FAQs

How can I use "malicious words" in a sentence?

You can use "malicious words" to describe speech or writing that is intended to cause harm. For example: "The impact of the "hurtful words" lingered long after the argument ended."

What are some alternatives to "malicious words"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "hurtful words", "offensive language", or "defamatory statements".

Is it correct to say "malicious wording" instead of "malicious words"?

While "malicious wording" is grammatically correct, it focuses on the specific choice of words and their arrangement. "Malicious words" is generally used to describe the intent and effect of the communication as a whole.

What is the difference between "malicious words" and "negative words"?

"Negative words" simply indicates that the words express something unfavorable. "Malicious words" implies that the speaker or writer intended to cause harm or distress through their language. Therefore, "negative words" could simply indicate disagreement or disapproval, whereas "malicious words" indicates intent to injure.