Updated August 2023
The differences between the definitions of libel and slander are easy to remember.
Libel: Libel refers to dubious written statements that are presented as facts and are damaging to one’s character. If a newspaper prints an article about the misdeeds of a politician, the newspaper is guilty of libel—as long as the allegations are untrue.
Slander: If the politician’s ex-wife goes around town telling everyone fibs about what a crook her former husband is, she is guilty of slander.
So, in a nutshell:
Libel = written falsehoods that do damage.
Slander = spoken falsehoods that do damage.
Here’s an easy way to remember the difference: Slander is Spoken.
And now you know the difference between libel and slander and you can use these words the correct way from now on!
