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What Is a "Cheap Shot"?

Henry Gaudet
Henry Gaudet

A "cheap shot" is an action that takes advantage of some vulnerability or exposure to cause excessive harm to another. This harm may take the form of physical pain, but in many cases the phrase refers instead to statements and remarks made to inflict emotional pain or to damage a reputation. An act is generally considered to be a "cheap shot" if it is unsportsmanlike or unfair.

In any confrontation, there are certain expectations or rules of engagement that opponents are expected to follow. A "cheap shot" will often violate these rules, allowing an attack to catch the defender off guard. Even when the letter of the rules is not violated, special circumstances can be exploited and trickery can be employed to violate the spirit of the rules. This is typically seen as cheating, and victories earned using this type of behavior may be considered illegitimate.

Cheap shots are considered unfair and unsportsmanlike.
Cheap shots are considered unfair and unsportsmanlike.

Sporting activities and other physical confrontations typically have clear rules outlining which actions are permitted. Even in less formal instances, such as a schoolyard fistfight, there are unwritten rules and points of etiquette dictating what is allowed. A maneuver which violates the letter or the spirit of these rules will typically be considered a "cheap shot".

A "cheap shot" may be a statement made by someone that inflicts emotional pain on another person.
A "cheap shot" may be a statement made by someone that inflicts emotional pain on another person.

Social situations may also be vulnerable to cheap tricks. Rules here are rarely formalized, but they are part of the culture and are typically well understood by all parties involved. At times, arguments can have a tendency to stray from the disputed topic, devolving into character assassination designed to discredit the opposition’s credibility or reputation. This is a very common "cheap shot."

Cheap shots may occur during arguments when a partner wants to inflict emotional pain on the other.
Cheap shots may occur during arguments when a partner wants to inflict emotional pain on the other.

When opponents are clearly mismatched, the weaker opponent might be given slightly more leeway. If an act levels the playing field instead of putting the defender at an overwhelming disadvantage, and if the severity of the act is not excessive, the maneuver might not be seen in a negative light, but rather as a clever tactic. This depends completely on the situation, the tricks employed and often the mindset of the viewer. Spectators might sometimes disagree on the validity of any such act.

A cheap shot includes spreading rumors about someone else.
A cheap shot includes spreading rumors about someone else.

The phrase “cheap shot” might seem slightly confusing, implying that the attack in question should be seen as “a good value”. In this idiom, cheap does not mean “inexpensive”. Cheap is used here to mean “of low quality” or “unworthy”, meaning that a cheap shot is beneath the dignity of all parties involved.

Discussion Comments

Ruggercat68

I'll admit that I like to get into really heated political discussions online, but I like to think I keep my comments focused on the issue at hand, not the other people in those discussions. But sometimes the temptation is there to take a cheap shot or two. If someone calls me stupid or makes fun of my viewpoint, I really want to get him or her back with a cheap insult of my own.

There are just some things people have to agree are off-limits when having an argument. It may be something completely true, but bringing it up would only be a cheap shot. Someone might win a fight by bringing up painful family history or a past mistake, but he or she would also be hitting below the belt.

Reminiscence

I see a lot of cheap shots on TV gossip shows. They'll show footage of a popular actress walking down a red carpet and start criticizing her dress, or they'll talk about someone's marital problems instead of the movie that person is promoting. I always think it's a cheap shot whenever the other person isn't in a position to defend himself, or the thing they're making fun of is highly personal. Celebrities are still people, and I would hate to have all of my shortcomings aired on live television, too.

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    • Cheap shots are considered unfair and unsportsmanlike.
      By: Laurent Hamels
      Cheap shots are considered unfair and unsportsmanlike.
    • A "cheap shot" may be a statement made by someone that inflicts emotional pain on another person.
      By: Innovated Captures
      A "cheap shot" may be a statement made by someone that inflicts emotional pain on another person.
    • Cheap shots may occur during arguments when a partner wants to inflict emotional pain on the other.
      By: MaxRiesgo
      Cheap shots may occur during arguments when a partner wants to inflict emotional pain on the other.
    • A cheap shot includes spreading rumors about someone else.
      By: Monkey Business
      A cheap shot includes spreading rumors about someone else.