PoliticsAugust 3, 2026
broadside
BRAWD-syde
Definition
A strong, vigorous, and often critical verbal or written attack against someone or something.
Etymology
Derived from the nautical term for the side of a ship above the waterline, it evolved to describe the simultaneous firing of all guns on one side of a warship. By the early 19th century, it was metaphorically applied to forceful, overwhelming verbal or written critiques.
In the news
The term is used to describe a viral, biting speech delivered by a Māori MP who attacked the government's legislation as unnecessary and insulting. It highlights the intensity of the political debate surrounding the bill.
New Zealand legislation making English an official language ridiculed as ‘pathetic’
Read the full article ↗theguardian.com