Over time, the physical act of "hurling brickbats" transitioned into the realm of rhetoric. Just as a physical brickbat was intended to strike an opponent, a verbal brickbat is intended to wound a person's reputation or ego. Common contemporary uses include:
: Candidates often "hurl brickbats" at one another during heated debates. brickbat
: A poorly received play or movie might be greeted with "brickbats" from critics. Over time, the physical act of "hurling brickbats"
"The politician handled the on social media with surprising grace". brickbat
"Despite the movie’s financial success, it received several from critics for its thin plot".