an onslaught of insults
Meaning
A sudden and overwhelming barrage of offensive remarks.
Origin
The vivid imagery of "an onslaught of insults" springs from the word "onslaught" itself, which burst into English in the 17th century, borrowed from the Dutch "aanslag," meaning an attack or assault. Initially, it described a fierce, unyielding military charge—a sudden, overwhelming rush of soldiers or weapons. Over time, English speakers found this potent battle-term perfect for describing non-physical assaults. When combined with "insults," it paints a dramatic picture: words aren't just spoken, they are launched like projectiles, raining down in a relentless, overwhelming barrage, completely overpowering the target.
Examples
- After the politician made a controversial statement, he faced an onslaught of insults online.
- The referee's questionable call led to an onslaught of insults from the losing team's fans.