In this episode of Words Worth Saying, we explore the evocative word besmirch, which means to tarnish someone’s reputation or to soil something physically. We uncover its origins in Middle English, combining the prefix be- with smirch, meaning to smear. You’ll hear practical examples of how to use besmirch in everyday conversation, from addressing false rumors to describing muddy mishaps. We also discuss its dramatic use in literature, such as Shakespeare’s Othello, and its comedic flair in modern media. Tune in to enrich your vocabulary with this vivid and theatrical term!