A vituperation is an offense, a reproach, an insult or an injury directed towards a person. Normally these are very critical words towards someone with which they are intended to offend or discredit them.
It is common for this term to be used in the plural, since there are frequently several accusations and offenses that are made. This word comes from Latin, specifically from the term vituperium.
The noun insult corresponds to the verb to blame, which means to firmly censure someone. It should be noted, on the other hand, that the act of invective may have justified causes or may be unfounded disqualifications.
Contexts in which it is used
As a general rule, someone is blamed when they receive insults from another as a result of their bad actions.
You can insult someone in private or in public and, of course, if it is done publicly in front of a lot of people, the offensive words are more powerful.
At the same time, the insult can be verbal or in writing (in the latter case, the insults and disqualifications could be expressed in a letter to the director of a media outlet or on a social network).
If a group of people scolds and insults someone for their improper behavior, they are criticizing them
In the different contexts in which this word is used, it is about some kind of offense with which it is intended to damage someone’s honor.
The act of insulting or vilifying is part of the human condition. We do it for various reasons: to vent, as an expression of anger towards those who don’t think like us or because of the psychological need to feel powerful in front of others.
It should be noted that vituperation is a term in disuse, since it is a cultured form of language. There are many synonyms that have an equivalent meaning: scolding, reproach, disqualification, reprimand, slander, censorship or defamation.
Take a taunt in Chile
Like many other peoples, Chileans have the custom of having an aperitif before lunch. This action is known as “taking a reproach.” This use of the term is exclusive to Chileans and it is believed that it was a popular and humorous invention in which the word refreshment was changed to vituperio.
Photo: Fotolia – honzahruby
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