Top 30 Slang For Belittle – Meaning & Usage

Belittling someone is never cool, but understanding the slang terms associated with it can help you recognize when it’s happening and put a stop to it. Join us as we break down the top slang words used to belittle others in today’s language landscape. Let’s empower ourselves with knowledge and stand up against negativity!

Click above to generate some slangs

1. Diss

To disrespect or insult someone, often in a playful or teasing manner.

For example, “She dissed him by saying his outfit looked ridiculous.”
In a friendly banter, one person might diss another by saying, “You can’t even beat me in a video game.”
A group of friends might diss each other by making jokes about their appearance or abilities.

2. Shade

To make a subtle or indirect insult or criticism towards someone.

For instance, “She threw shade at her coworker by saying, ‘I guess some people just don’t care about punctuality.’
During an argument, one person might throw shade by saying, “Well, at least I have a job.”
Friends might throw shade at each other by making sarcastic comments about their choices or actions.

3. Roast

To mock or make fun of someone in a humorous or playful way.

For example, “They roasted him by imitating his voice and mannerisms.”
During a comedy roast, comedians make jokes about the guest of honor, often in good humor.
Friends might roast each other by making jokes about their embarrassing moments or quirks.

4. Trash

To criticize someone or something harshly, often with the intention of belittling them.

For instance, “They trashed her performance, calling it the worst they’ve ever seen.”
In a heated argument, one person might trash the other’s ideas or opinions by saying, “That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.”
A movie critic might trash a film by giving it a scathing review.

5. Put down

To belittle or demean someone, often by making them feel inferior or unimportant.

For example, “He constantly puts her down by making negative comments about her appearance.”
In a group setting, one person might put down another by saying, “You’re not smart enough to understand.”
A parent might unintentionally put down their child by constantly comparing them to others.

6. Tear down

– For example, “He loves to tear down his coworkers’ ideas in meetings.”

In a heated argument, one person might say, “Don’t tear down everything I say just because you disagree.”
A critic might write, “The film was torn down by reviewers for its lackluster plot and weak performances.”

7. Cut down

– For instance, “She always tries to cut down her sister’s achievements.”

In a group setting, someone might say, “Stop cutting me down every time I speak.”
A parent might warn their child, “Don’t let anyone cut you down or make you feel small.”

8. Knock

– For example, “He’s always knocking his ex-girlfriend behind her back.”

In a debate, one person might say, “You can knock my argument all you want, but the evidence speaks for itself.”
A gossip might say, “I heard she’s been knocking the new employee to everyone in the office.”

9. Slam

– For instance, “The article slammed the politician for his controversial statements.”

In a heated argument, one person might say, “Don’t slam me just because you don’t agree with my opinion.”
A reviewer might write, “The play was slammed by critics for its poor acting and confusing plot.”

10. Disparage

– For example, “She always disparages her colleagues’ work to make herself look better.”

In a discussion, one person might say, “Let’s not disparage each other’s opinions and have a respectful conversation.”
A teacher might advise their students, “Never disparage someone based on their appearance or background.”

11. Belittle

To diminish the importance or value of someone or something. It involves making someone feel small or insignificant.

For example, “He always tries to belittle his coworkers by pointing out their mistakes.”
In a heated argument, one person might say, “Stop trying to belittle me and my opinions.”
A parent might unintentionally belittle their child by saying, “You’ll never amount to anything.”

12. Dissuade

To convince someone not to do something or change their mind about a particular course of action. It involves using persuasive tactics to discourage someone.

For instance, “I tried to dissuade her from joining that dangerous club.”
A friend might say, “I’m trying to dissuade him from dating that toxic person.”
A teacher might dissuade a student from dropping out of school by explaining the long-term consequences.

13. Undermine

To weaken or subvert someone’s authority, credibility, or position. It involves subtly or indirectly attacking someone’s power or influence.

For example, “He constantly undermines his boss by questioning their decisions.”
In a group project, one team member might undermine another’s ideas by subtly criticizing them.
A politician might try to undermine their opponent’s campaign by spreading false information.

14. Put to shame

To make someone feel embarrassed or inferior by highlighting their shortcomings or failures. It involves publicly exposing someone’s weaknesses.

For instance, “She put her rival to shame by achieving a higher score.”
In a talent show, one contestant might put the others to shame with their exceptional performance.
A parent might say, “Don’t put your sister to shame by constantly comparing her to you.”

15. Talk down to

To speak to someone in a condescending or demeaning manner. It involves treating someone as if they are less intelligent or knowledgeable.

For example, “He always talks down to his younger siblings.”
In a professional setting, a superior might talk down to their subordinates, making them feel inferior.
A customer might complain, “The salesperson talked down to me as if I knew nothing about the product.”

16. Demean

To demean someone means to belittle or degrade them, often by making disparaging remarks or treating them as inferior.

For example, “He always tries to demean his colleagues by pointing out their mistakes.”
In a heated argument, one person might say, “Don’t demean me just because you disagree with me.”
A parent might tell their child, “Don’t let anyone demean you or make you feel small.”

17. Ridicule

To ridicule someone is to make fun of them or mock them in a contemptuous or derisive manner.

For instance, “The bullies ridiculed him for his appearance.”
In a comedy show, a comedian might ridicule a public figure for their actions.
A friend might say, “Don’t take it personally, they’re just trying to ridicule you to get a reaction.”

18. Insult

To insult someone is to say or do something that is offensive or disrespectful towards them, often with the intention of hurting their feelings or belittling them.

For example, “He insulted her by calling her stupid.”
In a heated argument, one person might insult the other by saying, “You’re a worthless loser.”
A colleague might say, “I can’t believe he insulted me in front of the whole team.”

19. Trash talk

Trash talk refers to the act of insulting or belittling someone, often in a competitive or confrontational context.

For instance, in a sports game, players might engage in trash talk to intimidate their opponents.
During a friendly competition, one person might say, “Prepare to be defeated, I’m going to trash talk you the whole time.”
A friend might jokingly say, “Don’t take it personally, it’s just trash talk.”

20. Undercut

To undercut someone is to diminish their importance, authority, or achievements by making them seem less significant or valuable.

For example, “He constantly tries to undercut his colleague’s ideas in meetings.”
In a group project, one team member might try to undercut another’s contributions to take credit for themselves.
A friend might say, “Don’t let their comments undercut your confidence, you’re doing great.”

21. Minimize

To reduce the importance or significance of something. It is often used to make something seem less important or to diminish its impact.

For example, a person might say, “Don’t minimize my achievements, they are important to me.”
In a discussion about a problem, someone might say, “Let’s not minimize the impact this issue has on our community.”
A person might warn, “Be careful not to minimize the feelings of others, they are valid.”

22. Diminish

To make something smaller or weaker. It is often used to make something or someone seem less important or powerful.

For instance, a manager might say, “Don’t let one mistake diminish your confidence.”
In a debate, someone might argue, “His actions diminish the credibility of his argument.”
A person might comment, “The constant criticism can diminish a person’s self-esteem.”

23. Devalue

To reduce the worth or importance of something or someone. It is often used to describe the act of making something seem less valuable or significant.

For example, a person might say, “His behavior devalues the hard work of the team.”
In a discussion about art, someone might argue, “Mass production can devalue the uniqueness of a piece.”
A person might comment, “The constant sales and discounts devalue the brand’s image.”

24. Dismiss

To ignore or reject something or someone as unimportant or unworthy of consideration. It is often used to indicate a lack of interest or regard.

For instance, a person might say, “Don’t dismiss her ideas, they might have merit.”
In a meeting, someone might suggest, “Let’s not dismiss the concerns raised by the employees.”
A person might comment, “He always dismisses my opinions without even listening.”

25. Disdain

To have a feeling of contempt or scorn towards someone or something. It is often used to convey a superior attitude or a lack of respect.

For example, a person might say, “She looks down on people who don’t share her interests.”
In a discussion about social class, someone might argue, “The wealthy often have a disdain for the poor.”
A person might comment, “His disdain for authority often gets him into trouble.”

26. Defame

To defame someone is to tarnish their reputation by spreading false and damaging information about them. It is a way of belittling someone by damaging their image or character.

For example, “He defamed his ex-girlfriend by spreading rumors about her.”
In a legal context, someone might say, “She sued him for defamation after he published false accusations.”
A person discussing the impact of social media might say, “It’s easy for someone to defame another person online without any consequences.”

27. Badmouth

To badmouth someone is to speak negatively about them, usually behind their back. It involves making derogatory comments or spreading gossip in order to belittle or criticize someone.

For instance, “She constantly badmouths her coworkers to create a negative impression.”
In a discussion about friendships, someone might say, “I don’t want friends who badmouth others.”
A person might warn, “Be careful who you trust, some people will badmouth you when you’re not around.”

28. Debase

To debase someone is to lower their dignity or worth. It involves treating someone in a way that makes them feel inferior or belittled.

For example, “His constant criticism debased her self-esteem.”
In a discussion about workplace dynamics, someone might say, “A toxic work environment can debase employees.”
A person might reflect, “It’s important to surround yourself with people who uplift you, not debase you.”

29. Scoff

To scoff at someone is to mock or ridicule them. It involves expressing contempt or disdain towards someone in order to belittle or undermine them.

For instance, “He scoffed at her idea, dismissing it as foolish.”
In a conversation about cultural differences, someone might say, “It’s important not to scoff at traditions that are unfamiliar to you.”
A person might advise, “Instead of scoffing at someone’s dreams, try to support and encourage them.”

30. Put someone in their place

To put someone in their place is to assert dominance over them and make them feel inferior. It involves belittling someone in order to remind them of their lower status or to assert control.

For example, “She put him in his place by reminding him of his past mistakes.”
In a discussion about power dynamics, someone might say, “Some people use intimidation tactics to put others in their place.”
A person might reflect, “No one has the right to put someone else in their place. We should all be treated with respect and dignity.”