How Do You Use The Words Slander And Libel Correctly?
When bad things are said about someone, it’s slander… or maybe libel. These two words confuse anyone outside of the legal or journalism fields. However, it’s important to understand and use the correct word in your writing. Recognize that many people use the terms interchangeably, but technically, slander is something spoken while libel appears in writing. A reporter speaking at an association meeting might slander a politician, but if he puts it in a newspaper article, it’s libel. Know that both of these little gems come from Latin. Slander entered the English language first as a “cause of offense.” Libel later arrived as “a published or written statement that can damage a reputation.” Realize that for slander or libel to take place, someone must establish the information as false. Calling someone a thief who’s charged and convicted for stealing isn’t slander or libel, but the truth. Consider that when you write about slander or libel, you’re writing about something that can harm a