Factsheet
- Word Type: Verb (also used as a noun)
- Pronunciation: /tʃiːp ʃɑːt/
Rhyming Words: Hot, Plot, Spot, Lot
Etymology
The term cheap shot originates from informal American English, first appearing in sports and combat-related contexts in the mid-20th century. Cheap implies something done with little effort, dishonestly, or without merit, while shot refers to an attempt, action, or hit. Over time, its use expanded beyond sports into everyday language to describe unfair actions or criticisms.
Meaning & Use
As a Verb:
To cheap shot means to hit, attack, or criticize someone unfairly, often when they are unprepared or unable to defend themselves. The term implies using underhanded tactics to gain an advantage or inflict harm.
Example:
The player was disqualified after he cheap-shotted his opponent during the match.
As a Noun:
A cheap shot refers to an unfair action, remark, or attack intended to cause harm, often delivered in a deceitful or opportunistic manner.
Example:
His comment about her past mistakes was a real cheap shot during the debate.
Forms
- Base Form: Cheap shot
- Past Tense: Cheap-shotted
- Present Participle: Cheap-shotting
- Noun Form: Cheap shot
Examples in Use
- Sports Context:
The referee penalized the player for taking a cheap shot after the whistle blew. - Verbal Attack:
She accused him of cheap-shotting her with personal remarks during the discussion. - Media & Politics:
The reporter’s article took several cheap shots at the politician’s personal life.
Quotations
- Sports Review (1995):
“The punch thrown after the game had ended was clearly a cheap shot, earning the player a suspension.” - Political Commentary (2018):
“Launching personal insults instead of sticking to the policy debate felt like a string of cheap shots.”
Synonyms & Related Terms
- Low blow
- Dirty play
- Sneak attack
- Underhanded move
- Below-the-belt hit
- Sucker punch
Conclusion
The term cheap shot serves as a versatile expression describing actions or remarks that are unfair, unethical, or delivered with ill intent. From sports and debates to everyday arguments, the term highlights the negative impact of behavior that lacks integrity or fairness. Its widespread usage underscores the universal disapproval of deceitful tactics in competitive and social interactions.
