Top 54 Slang For Blame – Meaning & Usage

When things go wrong, pointing fingers is a natural response. But what if there were more colorful ways to assign responsibility? Join us as we explore the fascinating world of slang for blame, where words like “throw shade” and “finger-pointing” take center stage. Let’s dive in and discover how language can add a whole new dimension to holding someone accountable.

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1. Pin it on

This phrase means to place the blame or responsibility for something on someone, often unfairly or unjustly.

For example, in a crime investigation, a detective might say, “They’re trying to pin it on me, but I’m innocent.”
In a political scandal, a politician might accuse their opponent of trying to “pin it on” them.
A person might say, “Don’t try to pin it on me just because you made a mistake.”

2. Point the finger

This phrase means to accuse or assign blame to someone for a particular action or event.

For instance, in a team project, a member might say, “Don’t point the finger at me for the project’s failure.”
In a family argument, a parent might say, “Stop pointing the finger at your sibling and take responsibility for your own actions.”
A friend might caution, “Before you point the finger at someone else, make sure you’re not at fault.”

3. Lay the blame

This phrase means to attribute or assign the blame or responsibility for something to someone.

For example, in a business meeting, a manager might say, “We can’t lay the blame solely on one person; it’s a collective effort.”
In a relationship dispute, one partner might accuse the other of always trying to lay the blame on them.
A person might say, “Instead of laying the blame, let’s focus on finding a solution.”

4. Scapegoat

This term refers to a person who is unfairly blamed or made to take the blame for something they did not do.

For instance, in a dysfunctional family, one child might be constantly made the scapegoat for the family’s problems.
In a workplace, a manager might scapegoat an employee to avoid taking responsibility for a mistake.
A person might say, “Don’t be a scapegoat for someone else’s wrongdoing.”

5. Fault

This term refers to the responsibility or blame for a mistake or wrongdoing.

For example, in a car accident, determining who is at fault is important for insurance purposes.
In a relationship argument, one person might admit their fault and apologize for their actions.
A person might say, “It’s not about assigning fault, but rather finding a solution to the problem.”

6. Finger-pointing

This term refers to the act of accusing or blaming someone else for a mistake or problem. It implies that the person pointing the finger is deflecting responsibility onto someone else.

For example, during a team meeting, a coworker might say, “Stop the finger-pointing and let’s find a solution.”
In a political debate, one candidate might accuse the other of finger-pointing instead of addressing the issues at hand.
A parent might scold their children, saying, “Enough with the finger-pointing! Take responsibility for your actions.”

7. Guilt trip

To guilt trip someone is to make them feel guilty or responsible for something, often through emotional manipulation. It is a way of placing blame on someone by making them feel bad about their actions or choices.

For instance, a friend might say, “Don’t guilt trip me into going to the party if I don’t want to.”
A parent might guilt trip their child by saying, “After all I’ve done for you, this is how you repay me?”
In a relationship argument, one partner might accuse the other of using guilt trips to get their way.

8. Culpability

Culpability refers to the degree of responsibility or blame that someone holds for a particular action or event. It implies that the person is at fault or has some level of guilt for their actions.

For example, in a court case, the judge might determine the culpability of each defendant.
A news article might discuss the culpability of a company for a harmful product.
In a personal dispute, one person might admit their culpability and apologize for their actions.

9. Accuse

To accuse someone is to assert or claim that they are responsible for a wrongdoing or fault. It involves directly stating or indicating that someone is to blame for a particular action or situation.

For instance, in a crime investigation, the police might accuse a suspect of the crime.
During a heated argument, one person might accuse the other of being selfish.
A coworker might accuse another coworker of stealing their ideas.

10. Onus

Onus refers to the responsibility or burden that someone carries for a particular task or action. It implies that someone is held accountable or has a duty to fulfill.

For example, a teacher might place the onus on students to complete their assignments on time.
In a group project, each member has an onus to contribute their fair share.
A manager might shift the onus onto their team to meet a tight deadline.

11. Accountability

This term refers to the obligation to take ownership of one’s actions or decisions. It implies being answerable for the consequences, whether positive or negative.

For example, in a team project, a member might say, “We all need to have accountability for our individual tasks.”
A manager might emphasize, “Accountability is crucial for a successful organization.”
In a discussion about personal growth, someone might reflect, “Taking accountability for my mistakes has helped me learn and grow.”

12. Incriminate

To incriminate someone means to accuse or provide evidence that suggests their involvement in a crime or wrongdoing. It implies assigning blame or guilt to the person.

For instance, a witness might testify, “The defendant’s fingerprints were found at the crime scene, which incriminates them.”
In a detective novel, a character might say, “I need to find evidence that will incriminate the real culprit.”
During a trial, a prosecutor might argue, “The defendant’s actions and statements incriminate them beyond a reasonable doubt.”

13. Fault-finding

This term refers to the act of constantly looking for and pointing out faults or mistakes in others. It implies a tendency to assign blame rather than focusing on solutions or improvement.

For example, a coworker might complain, “She’s always fault-finding and never acknowledges our hard work.”
In a relationship, one partner might say, “He’s constantly fault-finding and never appreciates what I do.”
A parent might reflect, “I realized that my fault-finding was damaging my child’s self-esteem.”

14. Implicate

To implicate someone means to show or suggest their involvement in a wrongdoing or illegal activity. It implies linking or associating the person with the blame or guilt.

For instance, a detective might say, “The evidence implicates him in the drug trafficking operation.”
In a conspiracy theory, a believer might claim, “The emails implicate high-ranking officials in a cover-up.”
During an investigation, a journalist might report, “New evidence has emerged that implicates multiple individuals in the fraud scheme.”

15. Lay it at someone’s door

This phrase means to assign or place the blame for something onto someone. It implies holding the person responsible for the negative consequences or outcomes.

For example, a boss might say, “Don’t lay it at my door. It was a team effort.”
In a family argument, one sibling might accuse another, “You always lay it at my door whenever something goes wrong.”
During a political debate, a candidate might claim, “My opponent loves to lay it at my door, but I have a proven track record of success.”

16. Find fault

To find fault means to identify or criticize someone’s mistakes, shortcomings, or errors. It is often used when assigning blame or responsibility for a negative outcome.

For example, a supervisor might say to an employee, “I cannot find fault with your work. You did an excellent job.”
In a group project, a team member might say, “Let’s not waste time finding fault. Let’s focus on finding a solution.”
During a disagreement, someone might accuse another person by saying, “You always find fault with everything I do!”

17. Put the blame on

To put the blame on someone means to attribute responsibility or fault to them for a particular action or outcome. It implies holding them accountable for their actions or decisions.

For instance, a parent might say to a child, “Don’t put the blame on your sister. You need to take responsibility for your own actions.”
In a workplace, a manager might say, “We cannot put the blame on one person. It was a collective failure.”
During a political debate, someone might accuse their opponent by saying, “You’re trying to put the blame on me, but it’s your policies that caused this problem!”

18. Responsibility

Responsibility refers to the obligation or duty to take ownership or accountability for something. It implies being reliable and trustworthy in fulfilling one’s obligations or duties.

For example, a teacher might say to a student, “You need to take responsibility for completing your assignments on time.”
In a team setting, a leader might delegate tasks and say, “Everyone has a responsibility to contribute to the project.”
When discussing environmental issues, someone might emphasize, “We all have a responsibility to protect the planet.”

19. Blame game

The blame game refers to the act of assigning blame or shifting responsibility for a particular action, outcome, or problem. It often involves pointing fingers and avoiding personal accountability.

For instance, during a dispute between friends, one might say, “Stop playing the blame game and let’s find a solution.”
In politics, opponents might accuse each other of playing the blame game to avoid addressing the real issues.
In a work environment, a manager might address the team by saying, “Let’s focus on finding solutions instead of playing the blame game.”

20. Culprit

A culprit is a person or thing that is responsible for a negative outcome or wrongdoing. It is often used to identify the specific individual or factor that caused a problem or mistake.

For example, a detective might say, “We have identified the culprit behind the theft.”
In a court trial, a lawyer might argue, “The evidence clearly points to the defendant as the culprit.”
During a discussion about a failed project, someone might ask, “Who is the real culprit here? Who made the decision that led to this outcome?”

21. Accusation

An accusation is a formal or informal statement asserting that someone has committed a fault or offense. It is often used to assign blame or responsibility to someone.

For example, in a courtroom, a lawyer might make an accusation against the defendant, saying, “The evidence clearly points to their guilt.”
In a political debate, one candidate might make an accusation against another, saying, “They have a history of corruption.”
In a personal argument, one person might make an accusation against the other, saying, “You always try to manipulate situations to your advantage.”

22. Cast aspersions

To cast aspersions is to make negative or disparaging remarks about someone, often without evidence or proof. It is a way to blame or criticize someone indirectly.

For instance, in a gossip session, someone might cast aspersions on a person’s honesty, saying, “I heard they cheat on their taxes.”
In a political campaign, a candidate might cast aspersions on their opponent’s integrity, saying, “They cannot be trusted to keep their promises.”
In a professional setting, a coworker might cast aspersions on someone’s work ethic, saying, “They’re always slacking off and not pulling their weight.”

23. Finger pointing

Finger pointing is the act of attributing blame or responsibility to someone else for a particular situation or problem.

For example, in a team meeting, a manager might engage in finger pointing, saying, “This project failed because of their incompetence.”
In a family argument, siblings might engage in finger pointing, saying, “It’s their fault that we’re in this mess.”
In a political debate, candidates might engage in finger pointing, saying, “They are responsible for the current state of the economy.”

24. Pass the buck

To pass the buck is to avoid taking responsibility for a situation or problem by shifting it onto someone else.

For instance, in a group project, a team member might pass the buck, saying, “It’s not my fault, they didn’t do their part.”
In a workplace, a manager might pass the buck to their subordinates, saying, “I didn’t make the decision, they did.”
In a family argument, a parent might pass the buck to their spouse, saying, “I can’t handle this, talk to your mother/father.”

25. Throw under the bus

To throw someone under the bus is to betray or blame them for personal gain or to avoid blame oneself. It often involves sacrificing someone else to protect oneself.

For example, in a corporate setting, a colleague might throw their coworker under the bus to save their own reputation, saying, “They were the one who made the mistake.”
In a friendship, someone might throw their friend under the bus to avoid punishment, saying, “They were the one who came up with the idea.”
In a political scandal, a politician might throw their advisor under the bus to protect their career, saying, “They misled me with false information.”

26. Fall guy

This term refers to a person who is unfairly blamed or punished for something they may not have done. The fall guy is often chosen as an easy target to divert attention or avoid taking responsibility.

For example, in a corporate scandal, a lower-level employee might be made the fall guy to protect higher-ranking individuals.
In a group project, someone might say, “Let’s make John the fall guy if anything goes wrong.”
A person discussing politics might argue, “Politicians often use fall guys to deflect blame and protect their own image.”

27. Take the rap

To “take the rap” means to accept responsibility or blame for something, whether it’s deserved or not. This slang phrase is often used in a legal or criminal context.

For instance, if a group of friends get caught shoplifting, one might say, “I’ll take the rap for this.”
In a courtroom drama, a character might confess and say, “I’m willing to take the rap for what I did.”
A person discussing personal growth might reflect, “It’s important to take the rap for our own mistakes and learn from them.”

28. Bear the brunt

When someone “bears the brunt,” they are experiencing the full force or negative impact of a situation. This phrase often implies that the person is taking on the blame or suffering the most from a particular event or circumstance.

For example, in a car accident, the driver who caused the collision might bear the brunt of the blame and financial responsibility.
In a heated argument, one person might say, “Why do I always have to bear the brunt of your anger?”
A person discussing the challenges of leadership might say, “CEOs often bear the brunt of criticism when their company faces a crisis.”

29. Shoulder the responsibility

To “shoulder the responsibility” means to accept and take on the blame or accountability for something. This phrase suggests that the person is willingly and knowingly taking on the burden of the blame.

For instance, if a team fails to meet a deadline, the project manager might shoulder the responsibility and apologize to the client.
In a family dispute, one sibling might say, “I’ll shoulder the responsibility for this argument. It’s my fault.”
A person discussing leadership might argue, “A good leader knows when to shoulder the responsibility and protect their team.”

30. Culpable

The term “culpable” is often used in legal contexts to describe someone who is responsible or guilty of a wrongdoing. It implies that the person can be held accountable for their actions or negligence.

For example, in a court case, the defense might argue that the accused is not culpable for the crime.
In a discussion about ethics, someone might say, “Individuals should be held culpable for their actions.”
A person discussing a controversial decision might ask, “Who is culpable for this outcome?”

31. Faulty

This term is used to describe something or someone that is responsible for a mistake or problem. It implies that there is a flaw or error that caused the blame.

For example, “The faulty wiring in the building led to the fire.”
In a discussion about a failed project, someone might say, “The faulty planning is to blame.”
A person might use this term to express frustration, saying, “It’s always the faulty equipment that ruins everything.”

32. Condemn

To condemn someone or something is to express strong disapproval or blame. It implies that the person or thing being condemned is at fault or deserves punishment.

For instance, “The judge condemned the criminal for their actions.”
In a political debate, one might say, “We must condemn the actions of our opponents.”
A person might use this term to express their moral stance, saying, “I condemn any form of discrimination.”

33. Reproach

To reproach someone is to express disapproval or blame them for something they have done. It suggests that the person being reproached is responsible for a mistake or wrongdoing.

For example, “She reproached her friend for spreading rumors.”
In a relationship argument, one might say, “I reproach you for not listening to me.”
A person might use this term to express disappointment, saying, “I reproach myself for not studying harder.”

34. Stigmatize

To stigmatize someone is to unfairly label or blame them for something. It implies that the person being stigmatized is being judged or criticized based on a negative characteristic or action.

For instance, “Society tends to stigmatize those with mental illnesses.”
In a discussion about social issues, one might say, “We need to stop stigmatizing people based on their appearance.”
A person might use this term to express their frustration, saying, “I hate how society stigmatizes single parents.”

35. Vilify

To vilify someone is to speak or write about them in an extremely negative and critical way. It suggests that the person being vilified is being blamed or portrayed as evil or wicked.

For example, “The tabloids vilified the celebrity for their scandalous behavior.”
In a political campaign, one might say, “The candidate has been vilified by their opponents.”
A person might use this term to express their anger, saying, “I won’t let anyone vilify my character.”

36. Rebuke

– For instance, a supervisor might rebuke an employee for not meeting a deadline.

A parent might rebuke their child for misbehaving.
During a meeting, a team leader might rebuke a team member for making a mistake.

37. Shift the blame

– For example, a politician might try to shift the blame onto their opponent for a failed policy.

In a group project, someone might shift the blame onto another team member for a missed deadline.
A person caught in a lie might shift the blame onto someone else to avoid consequences.

38. Take the fall

– For instance, in a crime movie, a character might take the fall for their partner to protect them.

A leader might take the fall for a failed project to shield their team from criticism.
A student might take the fall for their classmates to avoid getting them all in trouble.

39. Patsy

– For example, in a conspiracy theory, a patsy might be set up to take the blame for a crime.

A person might refer to themselves as a patsy when they feel unjustly targeted for blame.
In a game of poker, someone might call another player a patsy if they’re an easy target for bluffing.

40. Accountability dodge

– For instance, a politician might use an accountability dodge to deflect criticism from their controversial decision.

In a workplace, someone might employ an accountability dodge to avoid taking responsibility for a failed project.
A person might use an accountability dodge by shifting the focus onto external factors rather than acknowledging their own mistakes.

41. Buck-passing

This term refers to the act of shifting blame or responsibility onto someone else. It implies an unwillingness to take ownership of one’s actions or decisions.

For example, a politician might engage in buck-passing by blaming their opponent for a failed policy.
In a workplace setting, a coworker might try to pass the buck by blaming someone else for a mistake.
A parent might accuse their child of buck-passing when they refuse to take responsibility for breaking a rule.

42. Finger wagging

This slang term describes the act of pointing a finger at someone in a scolding or reprimanding manner. It implies blaming or criticizing someone for their actions or behavior.

For instance, a teacher might engage in finger wagging when reprimanding a student for not completing their homework.
A boss might engage in finger wagging when criticizing an employee for being late to work.
In a relationship, one partner might engage in finger wagging when blaming the other for a disagreement.

43. Faulty logic

This term refers to the use of flawed or incorrect reasoning to support an argument or claim. It implies that the person using faulty logic is attempting to shift blame or avoid taking responsibility by using illogical or invalid reasoning.

For example, someone might use faulty logic by saying, “If everyone else is doing it, it must be okay,” to justify their own actions.
In a debate, one person might accuse their opponent of using faulty logic when their arguments are based on false premises.
A parent might point out their child’s faulty logic when they try to avoid blame by using flawed reasoning.

44. Passing the buck

This slang term describes the act of transferring or shifting blame onto someone else. It implies a refusal to accept responsibility for one’s actions or decisions.

For instance, a manager might engage in passing the buck by blaming their subordinates for a project’s failure.
In a family setting, a sibling might pass the buck by blaming their sibling for breaking a household rule.
A politician might engage in passing the buck by blaming previous administrations for current problems.

45. Taking the rap

This slang term refers to the act of accepting blame or punishment for something, often on behalf of someone else. It implies taking responsibility for one’s actions, even if it means facing negative consequences.

For example, a friend might take the rap for their friend’s wrongdoing to protect them from punishment.
In a legal setting, someone might take the rap for a crime they did not commit to protect someone else.
A student might take the rap for cheating on a test to avoid implicating their classmates.

46. Holding accountable

This term refers to the act of holding someone responsible for their actions or decisions. It implies that the person should be answerable for the consequences of their actions.

For example, a manager might say, “We need to hold our team members accountable for meeting their deadlines.”
In a political context, a citizen might demand, “We must hold our elected officials accountable for their promises.”
A parent might tell their child, “You need to be held accountable for your behavior.”

47. Censure

Censure is a formal expression of strong disapproval or criticism. It is often used to express blame or condemnation towards someone’s actions or behavior.

For instance, a government might censure a public official for misconduct.
In a debate, one participant might say, “I censure your disrespectful remarks.”
A teacher might censure a student for cheating on a test.

48. Attribute responsibility

To attribute responsibility means to assign blame or give credit to someone for a particular action or outcome. It involves identifying the person or group responsible for a specific situation.

For example, a journalist might attribute responsibility to a company for causing an environmental disaster.
In a court case, a lawyer might argue, “We can attribute responsibility for the crime to the defendant.”
A parent might attribute responsibility to their child for breaking a vase.

49. Lay the fault at someone’s door

This phrase means to assign blame or responsibility for a particular action or outcome. It suggests that the person being blamed is directly responsible for the negative consequences.

For instance, a supervisor might say, “We cannot lay the fault at one person’s door; it’s a team effort.”
In a family argument, one member might say, “You can’t lay the fault at my door; we’re all to blame.”
A teacher might lay the fault at a student’s door for disrupting the class.

50. Hold answerable

To hold answerable means to hold someone responsible or accountable for their actions or decisions. It implies that the person should be held to account for the consequences of their behavior.

For example, a boss might hold an employee answerable for a mistake that cost the company money.
In a friendship, one person might say to another, “You need to be held answerable for your hurtful words.”
A coach might hold a player answerable for their poor performance in a game.

51. Liable

When someone is liable, they are responsible or accountable for something, often in a legal or moral sense.

For example, “The company was found liable for the accident due to negligence.”
In a discussion about a failed project, someone might say, “The team leader is liable for the project’s failure.”
A person might claim, “I’m not liable for the damage caused by the storm, it was an act of nature.”

52. Put the onus on

To put the onus on someone means to shift the responsibility or blame onto them.

For example, “The manager tried to put the onus on the employees for the project’s failure.”
In a disagreement, one person might say, “Don’t try to put the onus on me, it’s your mistake.”
A person might argue, “We shouldn’t put the onus on one individual, it’s a collective effort.”

53. Shoulder the blame

When someone shoulders the blame, they take full responsibility for a mistake or failure.

For instance, “Instead of blaming others, he decided to shoulder the blame and apologize.”
In a discussion about accountability, someone might say, “A good leader knows when to shoulder the blame and learn from their mistakes.”
A person might advise, “If you want to earn trust, you need to shoulder the blame when things go wrong.”

54. Lay it on thick

To lay it on thick means to exaggerate or overstate someone’s fault or blame in a situation.

For example, “He really laid it on thick, making me feel like everything was my fault.”
In a disagreement, one person might say, “Don’t lay it on thick, it’s not entirely my fault.”
A person might complain, “She always lays it on thick, making me feel like I’m to blame for everything.”