BLEEP, for your own edification and learning, SLANDER is and ORAL statement. Go to the Merriam Webster website (www.m-w.com) and look up SLANDER and you will find the following definition for the NOUN form of the word:
Main Entry: 2 slander
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English sclaundre, slaundre, from Old French esclandre, from Late Latin scandalum stumbling block, offense -- more at SCANDAL
Date: 14th century
1: the utterance of false charges or misrepresentations which defame and damage another's reputation
2: a false and defamatory oral statement about a person -- compare LIBEL
I believe the word you are searching for is LIBEL:
Main Entry: 1 libel
Pronunciation: 'lI-b&l
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, written declaration, from Middle French, from Latin libellus, diminutive of liber book
Date: 14th century
1 a: a written statement in which a plaintiff in certain courts sets forth the cause of action or the relief sought barchaic: a handbill especially attacking or defaming someone
2 a: a written or oral defamatory statement or representation that conveys an unjustly unfavorable impression b (1) : a statement or representation published without just cause and tending to expose another to public contempt (2) : defamation of a person by written or representational means (3) : the publication of blasphemous, treasonable, seditious, or obscene writings or pictures (4) : the act, tort, or crime of publishing such a libel
Although definition (2 A) of LIBEL allows for ORAL as well as written comments, in Common Law LIBEL is always WRITTEN words (for example, this forum).
Note also that for something to be defined as LIBEL is must "convey an unjustly unfavorable impression" and "tending to expose another to public contempt".
Just thought you could use a friendly correction, since you seem to be (mis) using SLANDER often.
Edited by - Quotes on 14 August 2002 16:44:23
Edited by - Quotes on 14 August 2002 16:44:58