strong word

plural strong words

1. A swear word or other offensive word.

   He used a few strong words when he saw the damage.

2. A word or remark that is forcefully spoken, particularly during an argument, sharply expressing anger or criticism.

   Strong words were exchanged at the meeting, but both sides later agreed to talk again.

3. A word that expresses a particularly intense feeling, judgment, or claim, and may therefore seem excessive when used.

   "Hate" is a strong word; I would say I merely dislike it.

   3 more examples

   Little Mary Moreton was sitting by her mother’s side, hemming a pocket handkerchief. “How I do hate proud people !” suddenly exclaimed she, pulling through her needle with such violence as to break her thread. / Her mother looked up and said, smiling, “Hate is a strong word, Mary.” / “Well, mother, I can’t help it; there’s Julia Fearing —I cannot bear her.[…]

   1841 February 26, Youth's Companion: Vol 14 Iss 42

   "I hate Mary Hardcastle," said Violet. / "Why?" / "I don't know, but I hate her." / "Silly child!" said Rose; "she's always saying kind things to you." / "And always doing unkind ones," rejoined Violet, sharply. / "Hate is a strong word, Violet," said Blanche. / "Not stronger than I want," replied the high-spirited little girl.

   1848, George Henry Lewes, Three Sisters and Three Fortunes : Or, Rose, Blanche, and Violet

   “Don’t you like smart little girls?” said Mrs. Tracy. / “No,” said Emma; “Jane Eaton was our smartest scholar, and we all hated her.” / “Hate is a strong word,” said Mrs. Tracy; “what did she do to incur your hatred?”

   1849 November 1, The Common School Journal: Vol 11 Iss 21