Nobody likes to be insulted, and most people don’t want to insult others, but insults occur all the time, whether on purpose or by accident. So, today I’d like to introduce some vocabulary for talking about insults in English.

The basics

An insult is a statement, action, or depiction of something that is insulting, offensive, disrespectful, or rude. People may hurl or toss insults at others, and two or more people may trade insults with each other.

Ex. Several protestors hurled insults at the police before backing off.

Ex. The candidates traded insults throughout the debate.

When someone speaks or behaves in this way, we can say that they are being insulting / offensive / disrespectful / rude to someone else.

Ex. My comment was not intended as an insult. (noun)

Ex. Honestly, what you said was pretty offensive. (adjective)

Ex. They were rude to everyone at dinner last night. (adjective + to + someone)

Note: You can also use to with antonyms such as “polite” and “respectful.”

Ex. Please be respectful to your hosts.

To insult, to offend, and to dis(respect) can be used as verbs. Using the short form dis is considered extremely informal. 

Ex. Are you going to let them insult you like that?

Ex. I’m very sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you.

Ex. Did you just dis me, bro?

Reacting to insults

People react to insults in many different ways. Those who are sensitive may be offended easily, while those who have thick skin (do not become upset or offended easily) can brush it off (ignore it and not become upset).

Ex. Sports players have to have thick skin these days because their opponents’ fans are constantly insulting them.

Some people will hold a grudge (remember the insult for a long time) while others may get over it (forget about it and move on) quickly.

If you insult someone, they may give you the silent treatment (not speak to you anymore because they’re upset) or give you the cold shoulder (become unfriendly and ignore you). Others may give you the evil eye (look at you with extreme displeasure).

Ex. I think I must have insulted her because she just gave me the evil eye and then walked away.

Other idioms related to insults

An insult that is unexpected, unfair, or targets a sensitive issue may be considered a low blow. This expression comes from boxing, in which a low blow (a hit below the belt) is an unfair / illegal / unsportsmanlike attack.

*To talk shit (about someone) and to badmouth (someone) can be used in place of verbs like insult, disrespect, or criticize and may be more common in certain contexts, such as sports, gaming, or gossip.

*This expression is very informal and should be used carefully. While I, personally, do use some strong language in my life, this is one phrase that even I don’t like to use.

Ex. The Internet trolls are always talking shit about him on Twitter.

To kick someone while they’re down and to add insult to injury both express the idea of hurting, insulting, or taking advantage of someone when they’re already in a weak/bad position. 

Someone who is insulted may lose face, meaning that they lose social standing or the respect of others as a result of the insult. 

While I hope you won’t need to use this vocabulary too much in your life, at least it’s here in case you need it! Until next time, take care!