What is a bully? Definition and examples

A Bully is somebody who seeks to intimidate or harm people they see as vulnerable, i.e., easy prey. The behavior, which is intended to hurt others either physically or emotionally, is deliberate and habitual. The bully may target individuals because of their physical appearance, race, disability, religion, academic performance, sexual orientation, gender, voice, etc.

12 Bully image for article 444444mmmm4444The perpetrator may use threatening behavior, call people names, physically assault them, humiliate them socially, or take part in cyberbullying.

The Cambridge Dictionary has the following definition of the term:

“Someone who hurts or frightens someone else, often over a period of time, and often forcing them to do something that they do not want to do.”

Bullying is bad for business! Studies have shown that environments with prevalent bullying behaviors often experience a decrease in overall group morale and productivity.

Workplace bully

A workplace bully targets people at work so that they feel scared, intimidated, embarrassed, humiliated, or offended. We refer to their actions either as bullying or harassment.

The following are some examples of harassment or bullying in the workplace:

  • Treating somebody unfairly.
  • Spreading false and malicious rumors.
  • Regularly undermining an individual.
  • Regularly picking on somebody.
  • Unfairly denying somebody promotion opportunities.
  • Unfairly denying a person training opportunities.
  • Habitually forcing oneself on an employee or touching them inappropriately.

Harassment or bullying in the workplace image 4343333

  • What an employee can do about a bully

If you are the victim of a bully at work, you should initially try to deal with the problem informally. If this is not possible, talk to your:

If this gets you nowhere, make a formal complaint following the grievance procedures laid down by your employer. Your final option is to take legal action.

The British Government says the following regarding workplace bullying and harassment:

“Employers are responsible for preventing bullying and harassment – they’re liable for any harassment suffered by their employees. Anti-bullying and harassment policies can help prevent problems.”

  • Are you the only one?

In a Market Business News article about bullying in the workplace, I wrote:

“Chances are, you’re not the only one being abused by your toxic boss. It’s good to communicate with the rest of your colleagues and understand whether or not the boss is treating everyone that way, or just you.”

What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying image bbb0987Today, a bully has more options for hurting other people than his or her counterparts before the advent of the Internet. They can bully or harass people electronically, i.e., online. We call this cyberbullying or cyberharassment.

Cyberbullying has become a serious problem globally, especially among adolescents. Victims can become angry, frustrated, scared, and even clinically depressed.

Bullying can have long-term psychological effects, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can persist well into adulthood for victims

Internet trolling, a type of cyberbullying, is common on social media and online gaming platforms. A troll upsets people or initiates quarrels online to sow discord or distract by posting malicious messages in a chat room, blog, newsgroup, forum, or social media website. The verb is ‘to troll (someone).’

The United States, United Kingdom, and several other nations today have specific cyberbullying laws.

Wikipedia says the following about cyberbullying legislation:

“Several US states and other countries have laws specific to cyberbullying.[7] Some are designed to specifically target teen cyberbullying, while others use laws extending from the scope of physical harassment. In cases of adult cyberharassment, these reports are usually filed beginning with local police.”

Etymology of bully

Etymology is the study of the origin of words, phrases, and sayings, and how their meanings evolved over time.

The word bully first appeared in the English language in the 1530s. However, at the time it meant “sweetheart,” it was a term of endearment that men or women used. It came from the Dutch word “Boel,” which means “lover, brother.”

In the 17th century, its meaning changed from “fine fellow,” to “blusterer,” and then “harasser of the weak.”

Two Videos

These two interesting videos, from our sister YouTube channel – Marketing Business Network, explain what ‘Cyberbullying’ and ‘Troll’ are using simple, straightforward, and easy-to-understand language and examples.

  • What is Cyberbullying?

  • What is a Troll?