This word describes an action that is designed to attack the character of another.   It is deliberately mean but it causes the good character to question their own heart and their relationship to God.   There may be some outlining guilt because of sin, a condition that is equally true of all of us, but the sin is accentuated to cause greater hurt and pain.  On the other hand, the attack could be entirely false.  Either way, the slanderer does not have the Spirit of God.  Such malicious words are the product of an unconverted heart.   James 3:15-16 reads,  “This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.  For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.”