aspersions

Aspersions is a plural noun with two related senses. In its literal sense, an aspersion is a spray or shower of liquid—such as a fine mist produced by a nozzle or sprayer, or the act of sprinkling holy water with a device called an aspergillum in religious rites. The term’s use in this sense emphasizes the physical dispersion of liquid droplets.

In its more common figurative sense, aspersions refer to disparaging or damaging remarks about someone’s character or reputation. The expression to cast aspersions on someone means to imply or allege negative information about them, often without evidence. This figurative sense derives from the idea of sprinkling doubt or blame onto a person’s character, and it entered English from French and Latin roots related to sprinkling.

Usage and nuance: aspersions are typically discussed in contexts involving criticism, fundraising, journalism, or public discourse, where unverified assertions or insinuations can harm a person’s reputation. The term signals a critique that may be unfounded or unfair, but it is less absolute than direct accusations of wrongdoing such as slander or defamation. While “aspersion” can be used in religious language to describe the sprinkling of holy water, in modern prose the metaphorical use is far more prevalent.

See also: defamation, insult, insinuation, smear.