What does the term "slander" refer to?

The term "slander" specifically refers to oral defamation of character. This involves making false statements about someone that can damage their reputation when spoken aloud. Slander is categorized under defamation law, which protects individuals from false statements that can harm their personal or professional standing.

The distinction between slander and other forms of defamation, such as libel (which is written defamation), is essential in legal contexts. While other choices discuss forms of defamation, including written forms and digital statements like those made on social media, slander is uniquely identified by its spoken nature. Understanding this distinction is vital for recognizing the appropriate legal responses to different types of defamation.