potshot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, occasionally journalistic
Quick answer
What does “potshot” mean?
A casual or poorly aimed shot.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A casual or poorly aimed shot; a critical remark made without careful consideration or thought.
Refers to a quick, often impulsive attempt, action, or criticism that lacks precision, serious intent, or careful targeting. In figurative use, it implies a cheap, easy, or opportunistic attack.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical, but 'pot shot' is sometimes seen as a two-word variant in both regions, with 'potshot' being the more common single-word form in contemporary publishing.
Connotations
Carries a negative connotation of being unprofessional, unfair, or lazy in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English, particularly in political and media commentary.
Grammar
How to Use “potshot” in a Sentence
VERB + potshot + at + TARGET (e.g., take/fire/lob a potshot at someone/something)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “potshot” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Critics were quick to potshot the minister's proposal without offering alternatives.
American English
- The talk show host loves to potshot politicians from the comfort of his studio.
adjective
British English
- The article was filled with potshot remarks rather than substantive analysis.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in critiques of rushed or ill-considered competitive moves.
Academic
Rare, used pejoratively to describe superficial criticism in scholarly debates.
Everyday
Common for describing unfair or offhand criticism among friends, colleagues, or public figures.
Technical
Not typical.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “potshot”
- Using it to mean a 'lucky shot' (it implies a lack of skill, not luck).
- Using it for well-aimed, serious criticism.
- Confusing with 'parting shot'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, its origin is literal, meaning a shot taken for food (pot) rather than sport. However, contemporary use is almost entirely figurative.
No, it is informal. It carries a dismissive or critical tone towards the action it describes.
A 'potshot' emphasizes carelessness and lack of aim. A 'parting shot' is a final remark made while leaving a confrontation, which may or may not be well-aimed.
Yes, figuratively. E.g., 'The comedian took a potshot at modern art.'
A casual or poorly aimed shot.
Potshot: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɒt.ʃɒt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɑːt.ʃɑːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Take potshots at someone/something”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone taking a shot at a cooking POT instead of a target. It's a messy, careless, and unskilled attempt.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRITICISM IS A PROJECTILE (that is poorly aimed and of low quality).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes a 'potshot'?