謗

A phono-semantic compound composed of:

言 (speech; words) — semantic component, indicates spoken or written expression;

旁 (side; beside) — phonetic component, supplies the sound "bang / bàng" and suggests deviation or indirectness.

The structure conveys speech that goes sideways, metaphorically meaning words that stray from truth and harm others.

謗 originally meant to speak ill of someone, especially:

- spreading harmful rumors;

- making false accusations;

- criticizing unjustly.

It carries a clear implication of moral wrongdoing in speech.

The meaning remained relatively stable but broadened:

- malicious speech — slander or defamation;

- public accusation — verbal attacks in social or political contexts;

- unjust criticism — condemnation without fairness.

Unlike neutral criticism, 謗 implies harmful intent or falsity.

In Korean, 謗 appears mainly in legal or formal contexts.

비방 (誹謗) — slander; defamation

중상모략 (中傷謗略) — malicious slander

비방죄 (誹謗罪) — defamation (legal term)

謗 emphasizes false or harmful speech, not legitimate criticism. It carries strong ethical and legal weight.

Often contrasted with:

諫 — remonstrate; advise critically (morally justified)

評 — evaluate; comment

Related characters:

誹 — to slander

毁 — destroy; defame

讒 — malicious accusation

諫 — remonstrate (constructive criticism)

言 — speech

Among these, 謗 most strongly denotes intentional defamation, especially through rumor or public speech.

Classical / literary usage:

毀譽與謗 — “Praise, blame, and slander”

讒人興謗 — “Slanderers spread malicious speech”