Random Sequence: traducing

"We can never wholly and heartily enjoy ourselves while traducing our equals and neighbors; the operation is always attended with more or less of fear, lest the powerful friend whose regard we do not really wish to forfeit, or whose resentment we would not willingly incur, may hear of our indiscretion, and cause us to suffer for it."
--Augusta H. Worthen, "Servants", in Godey's Lady's Book and Magazine, March 1864

(I found a bound copy of several issues of Godey's in my basement and have been flipping through the dusty pages.)

traducing (verb; also traduce) = to damage someone's reputation by speaking badly or telling lies about them.

Say, "Don't traduce me!" the next time someone criticizes you. That will shut them up.