poison pen

poison pen
a) A manner, means, or tone of expression had by a written work, characterized by spitefulness, defamation, and/or intimidation directed toward a person, organization, or point of view.

Peter Isaacson continued his attack on Hearst and the poison pen of his editors.

b) Of, pertaining to, or possessing such a manner of expression.

After Mr. Rowland spoke, his wife, Patricia, delivered a spoof on the poem "Twas the Night Before Christmas," that was a stinging sing-song rebuke of the news organizations that had reported on her husbands shortcomings and the widening federal investigation into his administration. Referring to the news media, she said: "They used to be good girls and boys, Santa said. But the poison pens power has gone to their head."


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  • poison pen — noun A writer of malicious anonymous letters • • • Main Entry: ↑poison …   Useful english dictionary

  • poison-pen — [poi′zən pen′] adj. Informal designating or of an abusive letter written out of spite or malice, usually anonymously, to harass the recipient …   English World dictionary

  • poison-pen — | ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ adjective 1. : venomously written : written with malice and spite poison pen brochures J.R.Carlson especially : written usually anonymously and with the intention of seriously harming or destroying another s reputation writing a… …   Useful english dictionary

  • Poison Pen — Infobox Album Name = Poison Pen Type = Album Artist = Chino XL |thumb Released = March 17 2006 Recorded = ? Genre = Rap Length = 65:13 Label = Activate Entertainment Producer = Dan Chasnas One Eye Bird Carlos Bess N Kredible Proof Moss Gennessee… …   Wikipedia

  • poison-pen — /poy zeuhn pen /, adj. 1. composed or sent maliciously, as a letter, usually anonymously and for the purpose of damaging another s reputation or happiness: The newspaper received a poison pen letter alleging that the mayor was misusing city funds …   Universalium

  • poison-pen — {adj.} Containing threats or false accusations; written in spite or to get revenge, and usually unsigned. * /Mrs. Smith received a poison pen letter telling her that her husband was untrue./ * /To get revenge on Mary, Alice wrote a poison pen… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • poison-pen — {adj.} Containing threats or false accusations; written in spite or to get revenge, and usually unsigned. * /Mrs. Smith received a poison pen letter telling her that her husband was untrue./ * /To get revenge on Mary, Alice wrote a poison pen… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • poison-pen — adj Containing threats or false accusations; written in spite or to get revenge, and usually unsigned. Mrs. Smith received a poison pen letter telling her that her husband was untrue. To get revenge on Mary, Alice wrote a poison pen letter to the …   Словарь американских идиом

  • poison-pen — adjective Date: 1914 written with malice and spite and usually anonymously < a poison pen letter > …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • Poison Pen (disambiguation) — Poison Pen or Poison pen may refer to:*Poison Pen, 2006 hip hop album by Chino XL *Poison Pen (song), 1986 rock single by Hoodoo Gurus *Poison pen letter, malicious correspondence *Poison Pen Films, UK film companyee also*Poisoned Pen Press,… …   Wikipedia

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