Brickbat

: A poorly received play or movie might be greeted with "brickbats" from critics.

: Many publications have historically used "Brickbats and Bouquets" sections to categorize reader feedback as either critical or complimentary. Examples of Usage brickbat

"The politician handled the on social media with surprising grace". : A poorly received play or movie might

: Candidates often "hurl brickbats" at one another during heated debates. : Candidates often "hurl brickbats" at one another

Historically, these fragments were used as handy, rock-like missiles. Because they were heavy and easy to throw, they became common projectiles during riots or street brawls when stones were scarce. The Infamous Legal "Brickbat"

One of the most famous literal uses of the term appears in 17th-century English legal history. In a reported case from 1631, a condemned prisoner "threw a brickbat at the said Judge, which narrowly missed". The marginal note for this case became legendary in the legal world for its "Law French" description of the event: "le prisoner ject un brickbat a le dit Justice que narrowly mist" . Transition to Metaphor