Mudslinging, often associated with politics, refers to the act of making false or misleading statements about someone to damage their reputation. This tactic is commonly used during elections to discredit opponents and sway public opinion. It can involve personal attacks, exaggerations, or outright lies. Defamation is a legal term that encompasses mudslinging when false statements harm an individual's reputation. There are two main types: libel, which involves written statements, and slander, which pertains to spoken words. Victims of defamation may seek legal recourse to restore their reputation and seek damages.