Invective (fromMiddle Englishinvectif, orOld French andLate Latininvectus) is abusive, or insulting language used to express blame or censure; or, a form of rude expression or discourse intended to offend or hurt;[1][2][3]vituperation, or deeply seated ill will, vitriol.[clarification needed] The Latin adjectiveinvectivus means 'scolding.'[citation needed]
The "genre of invective" or "vituperatio" in Latin is a classical literary form used inGreek andRomanpolemical verse as well as in prose. Its primary context is asrhetoric.
The genre ofvituperatio belongs to thegenus demonstrativum, which is composed of the elements of praise and blame.
During theRoman Republic, personal invectives and character assassination were widely used as part of both forensic speeches and orations.Cicero made frequent use of the invective form against political foes such asClodius,Catilina (in the Catalinarian speeches) orMark Antony (Philippics). Common charges included avarice, cupidity, cowardice, effeminacy, drunkenness, poor writing and speaking skills, luxury, disapproved sexual habits and tyrannical behaviour.
Between 44 BC and 30 BC, invective became a tool of the propaganda war betweenOctavian and Mark Antony.[4] Among other slanders, Mark Antony was accused of having married the foreign queenCleopatra, of being her submissive subject and of having lost his Roman identity. Further, it was stated that Cleopatra was planning to invade Italy. This propaganda before theBattle of Actium in 31 BC allowed Octavian to present his campaign as a legitimate military campaign to defend the Roman Republic.
The preferred literary term for the later invective of theRenaissance islibel.
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