brickbat: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, literary, journalistic
Quick answer
What does “brickbat” mean?
A piece of brick, especially one used as a missile.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A piece of brick, especially one used as a missile.
A critical remark or harsh verbal attack.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes old-fashioned, forceful, or blunt criticism, often public.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. More likely found in historical texts, political commentary, or high-register journalism.
Grammar
How to Use “brickbat” in a Sentence
[Subject] hurls/throws brickbats at [Target][Target] faces/receives brickbats from [Source]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “brickbat” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The minister was brickbatted in the press for his handling of the crisis.
American English
- The proposal was brickbatted by opponents during the committee hearing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. 'The CEO faced brickbats from shareholders over the failed merger.'
Academic
Rare, except in historical or literary analysis.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “brickbat”
- Using it to mean a compliment (confusing with 'bouquet').
- Using it in informal contexts where 'criticism' or 'dig' would be more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare, C2-level word primarily used in formal writing or journalism.
Yes, though very rare. It means 'to criticize harshly'.
A 'bouquet', in the metaphorical sense of praise or compliment. They are often paired in the idiom 'brickbats and bouquets'.
Yes. A brickbat implies criticism that is particularly blunt, forceful, and publicly delivered, like a thrown object.
A piece of brick, especially one used as a missile.
Brickbat is usually formal, literary, journalistic in register.
Brickbat: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbrɪk.bæt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbrɪk.bæt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “brickbats and bouquets (criticisms and praises)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a critic THROWING a BRICK at a BAT (the animal). The brick represents the harsh criticism, and the act of throwing it is the verbal attack.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRITICISM IS A PHYSICAL MISSILE / ATTACK.
Practice
Quiz
In the phrase 'brickbats and bouquets', what does 'brickbats' mean?