The term ‘BULLY’ can mask the brutal reality of their actions—it obscures violence and shields the perpetrator of psychological abuse from full accountability

What happens when the language used in the Workplace protects the perpetrator of psychological violence instead of the target(s)?

Many definitions of BULLY are vague and do not address or include the holistic experience of the target.

What or who is a bully? The term bully is used to describe, offender, abuser, aggressor, groomer, gaslightor, manipulator, predator, harasser, stalker, perpetrator of psychological abuse, violence, malevolence, evil including coercive and controlling behaviours.

We must define Bully as a criminal offender and the crime committed as a criminal offence – and make it a criminal act

When we use terms like bully instead of perpetrator of psychological abuse, dispute instead of assault, or bullying instead of psychological abuse, or he/she didn't fit in, instead of ostracism, talking behind someone's back instead of gossiping about them without their knowledge, often in a way that’s deceptive, unfair and damaging to their reputation.

Many Workplace Risk Assessments minimize the severity of the harm and obscure the responsibility of the perpetrator. This is what scholars call symbolic violence—a concept developed by sociologist Pierre Bourdieu—which refers to the subtle, often invisible ways language reinforces power structures and social domination. 1.

Language plays a powerful role in shaping how society understands and responds to violence—it doesn’t just describe reality, it helps construct it.

Research shows that language can:

• Conceal violence by using passive voice or vague terms (e.g., “she was hurt” vs. “he hit her”). 2.

• Shift blame onto victims by focusing on their behavior or choices rather than the perpetrator’s actions. 2.

• Normalize inequality by presenting harmful dynamics as natural or inevitable. 1.

• Influence health outcomes, especially in trauma recovery, where speech patterns can reflect and reinforce hopelessness or risk-taking behavior. 3.

In short, the words we choose can either challenge or perpetuate cycles of violence. That’s why many advocates push for more precise, accountable, and survivor-centered language in media, education, and policy.

1. Cute Studio Template for Framer

2. Language-and-Violence.pdf

3. Language of violence: Do words matter more than we think? | Trauma Surgery & Acute Care Open

Understanding Non- Physical Violence, Psychological Abuse, Bullying, Coercive Control & Traumatic Entrapment

Non-Physical Violence, Psychological abuse is a complex phenomenon because it is multi-layered, multi leveled, overt and covert, imbedded in systems, entrapped in culture and locked in shame, stigma and silence. Interpersonal Psychological Abuse is a pattern of Intentional, Repetitive and Strategic tactics directed at a selected target to cause harm. It is asymmetrical abuse.

There isn’t a single universal definition of what it means to be a bully. The meaning can shift based on culture, context, and even personal experience. Some countries or communities may focus more on physical aggression, while others place stronger emphasis on verbal abuse, social exclusion, or digital harassment. What’s considered bullying in one environment might be overlooked or dismissed in another. That’s part of what makes tackling bullying so complex—it’s not just about defining the behavior but also understanding the intent, the impact, and the power dynamics involved.

What is Interpersonal Psychological Abuse

Psychological abuse is a persistent pattern of deceitful, oppressive, pervasive, multiple and complex traits of subtle overt and covert mechanisms. The perpetrator seeks to entrap the target(s) using underhand means and is controlling, neglectful or dismissive of the other person’s needs. There is a dominant, aggressive, manipulative person in the relationship; thereby the other person may be a passive or a non-violent communicator.

Stark (2007), who has been most influential in defining coercive control, details how it employs both indirect and direct tactics. Indirect tactics of control—isolation, deprivation, exploitation, and microregulation—undermine the victim-survivor's independence and foster a dependence on the person using violence. Direct tactics of coercion—violence and intimidation—compel the victim-survivor to appease their abusive partner by forcing compliance and eroding their “will to resist”. Properly employed, coercive control therefore allows us to move beyond understanding IPV as confined to the incidents of physical abuse, between which the victim-survivor is assumed to be free from abuse. It is important to note that victim-survivors always resist the abuse (Kinewesquao (Richardson & Wade, 2009)—although this resistance may be covert when they are not able to bear the costs of overt resistance.

Intimidator– someone who uses fear to control others.

Tormentor – implies persistent cruelty or emotional pain.

Tyrant – often used for someone who abuses power.

Pest – a milder term, but still conveys annoyance.

Persecutor – especially when the behavior is targeted and relentless.

Tease – can be playful or mean-spirited, depending on context.

Heckler – someone who disrupts or provokes, often publicly.

Oppressor – suggests systemic or repeated abuse of power.

Ruffian or Thug – more physical or aggressive connotation.

Needler or Baiter – someone who provokes or goads others.

Malicious – implies intentional cruelty or desire to cause harm

Spiteful – emphasizes petty or vindictive behavior

Vindictive – suggests revenge is the driving force

Wicked – classic and dramatic, often used in stories

Hostile – a bit more general, but effective in the right setting

Vengeful – similar to vindictive, but more focused on retaliation

Cruel – simple and direct, no subtlety here

Sinister – suggests something dark or threatening beneath the surface

Nefarious – delightfully over-the-top, good for describing villainous plans

Fiendish – playful or dramatic, often used in exaggeration

©No part of this article may be reproduced without prior permission of the author Judith Carmody. The post can be reposted in full giving credit to the author's work.

This survey is part of a research dissertation for a Master of Arts in Leadership in Workplace Health and Wellbeing, Technical University of the Shannon, Ireland.

Content Warning: Please be advised, this article might mention trauma-related topics that include abuse, which could be triggering to the reader. The con­tent pro­vided and in any linked mate­ri­als is not intended and should not be con­strued as med­ical or legal advice. If the reader of this material has a med­ical or legal con­cern, he or she should con­sult with an appropriately health care provider or legal advisor.

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