Bullying is a serious issue that unfortunately affects many individuals, but finding the right words to express the experience can be challenging. We’ve put together a list of empowering and relatable slang terms that can help those who have been bullied feel understood and supported. Join us as we explore these words that resonate with those who have faced adversity and let’s stand together against bullying.
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1. Harassed
To be harassed means to be subjected to persistent unwanted actions or behavior that causes discomfort or distress. It often involves repeated incidents of verbal, physical, or psychological aggression.
- For example, “She was constantly harassed by her classmates, receiving mean comments and prank calls.”
- In a discussion about workplace harassment, someone might say, “Employees should never have to endure being harassed by their superiors.”
- A person sharing their experience might say, “I was harassed online by trolls who sent me hateful messages and threats.”
2. Teased
To be teased means to be playfully or cruelly mocked or ridiculed. It often involves making jokes or comments at someone’s expense, causing embarrassment or humiliation.
- For instance, “He was teased for his unusual hairstyle, with classmates calling him names.”
- In a conversation about childhood experiences, someone might say, “I was teased for wearing glasses, and it made me feel self-conscious.”
- A person reflecting on their past might say, “Being teased in school had a negative impact on my self-esteem.”
3. Tormented
To be tormented means to be subjected to intense, prolonged, or cruel physical or psychological suffering. It often involves severe forms of bullying, such as physical assault, verbal abuse, or constant humiliation.
- For example, “He was tormented by his classmates, who would physically attack him and spread rumors about him.”
- In a discussion about the long-term effects of bullying, someone might say, “Children who are tormented often develop mental health issues.”
- A person sharing their traumatic experience might say, “I was tormented for years, and it took a toll on my mental well-being.”
4. Bullied
To be bullied means to be repeatedly subjected to aggressive and unwanted behavior, often by someone with more power or influence. It can take various forms, such as physical violence, verbal abuse, or social exclusion.
- For instance, “She was bullied by a group of students who would taunt her and spread rumors about her.”
- In a conversation about anti-bullying campaigns, someone might say, “No one should have to endure being bullied, and we need to take a stand against it.”
- A survivor of bullying might share their story, saying, “I was bullied throughout my school years, but I managed to overcome it and become stronger.”
5. Victimized
To be victimized means to be made to feel powerless or targeted by someone’s actions or behavior. It often involves being treated unfairly, exploited, or harmed in some way.
- For example, “He felt victimized by his coworkers, who would constantly undermine him and take credit for his work.”
- In a discussion about workplace dynamics, someone might say, “Employees should never feel victimized by their superiors.”
- A person sharing their experience might say, “I was victimized by online trolls who spread false information about me, affecting my reputation.”
6. Picked on
This term refers to being repeatedly targeted or singled out for mistreatment or abuse, often in a subtle or covert manner.
- For example, “He was constantly picked on by his classmates for being different.”
- A person might share, “I was always picked on for my appearance in high school.”
- Another might say, “Kids can be cruel, and I was picked on for my stutter.”
7. Pushed around
This phrase describes being physically or emotionally dominated or controlled by others in a forceful or aggressive manner.
- For instance, “He was tired of being pushed around by his boss at work.”
- A person might say, “I refuse to let myself be pushed around by anyone.”
- Another might share, “I was constantly pushed around by my older siblings growing up.”
8. Harrassed
This term refers to the act of subjecting someone to persistent unwanted behavior, such as insults, threats, or intimidation, often causing distress or discomfort.
- For example, “She was harassed by her co-worker on a daily basis.”
- A person might say, “No one should have to endure being harassed in their own neighborhood.”
- Another might share, “I was harassed online by a group of trolls.”
9. Intimidated
This word describes feeling frightened, threatened, or coerced by someone, often through the use of fear or power.
- For instance, “She felt intimidated by her boss’s aggressive demeanor.”
- A person might say, “I refuse to be intimidated by bullies.”
- Another might share, “I was constantly intimidated by my ex-partner during our relationship.”
10. Belittled
This term refers to being made to feel unimportant, inadequate, or inferior by others through dismissive or condescending behavior or comments.
- For example, “He constantly belittled his employees, making them feel worthless.”
- A person might say, “No one deserves to be belittled for their opinions or ideas.”
- Another might share, “I was repeatedly belittled by my classmates for my academic performance.”
11. Ostracized
This term refers to the act of excluding or isolating someone from a group or society. It often involves intentionally ignoring or avoiding the person, making them feel unwanted or unwelcome.
- For example, a student might say, “After the rumor spread, I was completely ostracized by my classmates.”
- In a workplace setting, an employee might feel ostracized if they are consistently left out of team meetings or social events.
- Someone who has experienced being ostracized might say, “It was a lonely time in my life when I felt completely ostracized by my friends and family.”
12. Mocked
To mock someone means to ridicule or make fun of them, often in a cruel or derisive manner. It involves imitating or mimicking the person in a way that is intended to belittle or humiliate them.
- For instance, a group of kids might mock another child for their appearance or for being different.
- In a school setting, a student might be mocked for giving a wrong answer in class.
- Someone who has been mocked might say, “Being constantly mocked by my peers took a toll on my self-esteem.”
13. Shamed
Shaming someone involves making them feel embarrassed or ashamed of their actions, choices, or characteristics. It often involves publicly criticizing or condemning the person, causing them to feel humiliated or disgraced.
- For example, someone might be shamed for their appearance, their behavior, or their beliefs.
- In a social media context, a person might be shamed for a controversial post or comment they made.
- A person who has experienced being shamed might say, “The online backlash was intense, and I felt completely shamed for expressing my opinion.”
14. Ridiculed
To ridicule someone means to make them the object of scorn or derision. It involves mocking or making fun of the person in a way that highlights their flaws or weaknesses, often with the intention of making them feel foolish.
- For instance, someone might be ridiculed for their accent, their clothing choices, or their lack of skill.
- In a school setting, a student might be ridiculed for not being able to solve a simple math problem.
- A person who has been ridiculed might say, “The constant ridicule made me hesitant to express myself or try new things.”
15. Alienated
To alienate someone means to make them feel isolated or estranged from others. It involves creating a sense of distance or separation between the person and the rest of the group or community.
- For example, a person might be alienated by their friends or family due to a disagreement or conflict.
- In a workplace setting, an employee might feel alienated if they are consistently left out of important projects or decisions.
- Someone who has experienced being alienated might say, “I felt completely alienated from my classmates after they formed their own exclusive group.”
16. Abused
Refers to the act of mistreating or harming someone physically, emotionally, or mentally. It can involve physical violence, verbal insults, or psychological manipulation.
- For example, “She was emotionally abused by her partner for years.”
- A person might say, “I was abused by my classmates throughout high school.”
- Another might share, “Abused children often suffer long-lasting emotional scars.”
17. Coerced
Means to be compelled or pressured into doing something against one’s will. It can involve threats, manipulation, or intimidation.
- For instance, “She was coerced into signing the contract under duress.”
- A person might say, “He coerced me into giving him my lunch money every day.”
- Another might share, “Coerced confessions are a violation of human rights.”
18. Put down
Refers to the act of making someone feel inferior or worthless through derogatory comments or actions. It can involve insults, mockery, or condescension.
- For example, “He constantly puts her down and undermines her self-esteem.”
- A person might say, “My boss always puts me down in front of my colleagues.”
- Another might share, “Being put down by others can have a devastating impact on one’s mental health.”
19. Excluded
Means to be deliberately kept apart or left out from a group or activity. It can involve social isolation, rejection, or ostracism.
- For instance, “She felt excluded from the popular clique at school.”
- A person might say, “I was excluded from the team because I didn’t fit their image.”
- Another might share, “Excluded individuals often experience feelings of loneliness and low self-worth.”
20. Humiliated
Refers to the act of causing someone to feel embarrassed, degraded, or ridiculed. It can involve public embarrassment, humiliation, or mockery.
- For example, “He was humiliated in front of the entire class for his mistake.”
- A person might say, “She constantly humiliates her employees in front of their colleagues.”
- Another might share, “Humiliation can have long-lasting effects on a person’s self-esteem and mental well-being.”
21. Targeted
This term refers to being singled out or chosen as the focus of negative attention or actions. When someone is targeted, they are often the subject of bullying or harassment.
- For example, “She was targeted by a group of classmates who spread rumors about her.”
- In a discussion about online harassment, someone might say, “Cyberbullies often target vulnerable individuals.”
- A person sharing their experience might say, “I was targeted because of my race, and it was incredibly hurtful.”
22. Pressured
To be pressured means to be strongly influenced or coerced into doing something you may not want to do. In the context of bullying, someone may be pressured into participating in harmful actions or activities.
- For instance, “She felt pressured by her friends to exclude another classmate.”
- In a conversation about peer pressure, someone might say, “Kids can feel pressured to fit in and go along with the crowd.”
- A person sharing their experience might say, “I was pressured into skipping school and got in trouble because of it.”
23. Marginalized
To be marginalized means to be pushed to the outskirts or treated as less important or valuable. In the context of bullying, someone who is marginalized may be ignored, excluded, or made to feel insignificant.
- For example, “He was marginalized by his classmates because of his disability.”
- In a discussion about social dynamics, someone might say, “Certain groups are often marginalized and not given the same opportunities.”
- A person sharing their experience might say, “I felt marginalized by my peers because of my unconventional interests.”
24. Victimised
To be victimized means to be treated unfairly or subjected to harm or mistreatment. In the context of bullying, someone who is victimized is the target of intentional harm or harassment.
- For instance, “She was victimized by a group of bullies who constantly taunted her.”
- In a conversation about the impact of bullying, someone might say, “Victimized individuals often experience long-lasting emotional scars.”
- A person sharing their experience might say, “I was victimized for years, and it took a toll on my self-esteem.”