Panned vs Savaged: Meaning And Differences

When it comes to reviewing movies, books, or any form of art, critics have the power to make or break the success of a piece. And when they don’t like something, they don’t hold back. Two words that are often used to describe a negative review are “panned” and “savaged.” But which one is the right word to use? The answer is both, but they have slightly different connotations.

“Panned” means to criticize severely or to give a negative review. It’s often used when the reviewer didn’t like the work but didn’t necessarily hate it. On the other hand, “savaged” means to attack or criticize harshly and mercilessly. It’s used when the reviewer really despises the work and wants to tear it apart.

In this article, we’ll explore the differences between panned and savaged reviews and how they affect the creator of the work. We’ll also take a look at some famous examples of both types of reviews and how they impacted the success of the work.

Define Panned

Panned is a term used to describe a negative review or critique of a piece of work, such as a movie, book or product. It implies that the work was not well received and was criticized for its flaws, shortcomings or lack of quality. Panning can be done by professional critics or by regular people on social media, blogs or review sites.

For example, a movie that received a lot of negative reviews from critics and audiences alike can be said to have been panned. The term can also be used in a broader sense to describe any form of negative feedback or criticism, such as a product that received low ratings or a book that was not well received by readers.

Define Savaged

Savaged is a term that is similar to panned, but it implies a more intense and aggressive form of criticism. It is used to describe a review or critique that is particularly harsh, scathing or brutal in its assessment of a work. The term can be used to describe any form of creative work, including movies, books, music, art and more.

For example, a movie that was savaged by critics might have been described as having no redeeming qualities, being poorly acted and directed, and lacking any semblance of a coherent plot. Similarly, a book that was savaged by readers might have been described as boring, poorly written and lacking in any meaningful insights or ideas.

Overall, the difference between panned and savaged is one of intensity and severity. Panning is a negative review, but it is not necessarily as harsh or brutal as being savaged. Savaging implies a level of anger, frustration or disappointment that goes beyond mere criticism and enters the realm of personal attack.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to writing, choosing the right words can make all the difference in conveying the intended meaning. This is especially true when it comes to words that have similar meanings, such as “panned” and “savaged.” In this section, we’ll explore how to properly use these words in a sentence.

How To Use “Panned” In A Sentence

The word “panned” is often used to describe a negative review or critique of something, such as a book, movie, or performance. Here are some examples of how to use “panned” in a sentence:

• The new restaurant was panned by food critics for its lackluster menu.
• The movie was panned by audiences for its poor acting and predictable plot.
• The book was panned by literary critics for its cliched writing and unoriginal plot.

As you can see, “panned” is typically used to describe a negative review or critique of something. It can be used in both formal and informal writing, and is a useful word to have in your vocabulary when discussing the quality of something.

How To Use “Savaged” In A Sentence

The word “savaged” is also used to describe a negative review or critique of something, but it typically implies a more harsh or brutal criticism. Here are some examples of how to use “savaged” in a sentence:

• The play was savaged by theater critics for its poor acting and confusing plot.
• The album was savaged by music critics for its lack of originality and uninspired lyrics.
• The politician was savaged by the media for his controversial statements and actions.

As you can see, “savaged” is a more intense version of “panned,” and is typically used to describe a particularly scathing review or critique. It is a more formal word than “panned,” and is often used in professional writing such as journalism or academic papers.

More Examples Of Panned & Savaged Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide you with more examples of how to use the words “panned” and “savaged” in sentences. These examples will help you understand the context in which these words can be used and how they differ from each other.

Examples Of Using “Panned” In A Sentence

• The movie was panned by critics for its poor acting and weak plot.
• The restaurant was panned by customers for its slow service and overpriced menu.
• The book was panned by readers for its confusing storyline and lack of character development.
• The new product was panned by consumers for its low quality and high price.
• The play was panned by theatergoers for its dull dialogue and uninspired performances.
• The album was panned by music critics for its derivative sound and lack of originality.
• The art exhibit was panned by art enthusiasts for its lack of creativity and poor execution.
• The fashion show was panned by fashionistas for its outdated designs and lack of innovation.
• The video game was panned by gamers for its glitches and repetitive gameplay.
• The TV show was panned by viewers for its unrealistic plot and one-dimensional characters.

Examples Of Using “Savaged” In A Sentence

• The movie was savaged by critics for its offensive content and poor production values.
• The restaurant was savaged by food critics for its unappetizing dishes and unsanitary conditions.
• The book was savaged by literary critics for its pretentious prose and lack of substance.
• The new product was savaged by industry experts for its faulty design and lack of functionality.
• The play was savaged by theater critics for its amateurish staging and wooden performances.
• The album was savaged by music reviewers for its banal lyrics and uninspired melodies.
• The art exhibit was savaged by art critics for its derivative style and lack of originality.
• The fashion show was savaged by fashion critics for its tacky designs and lack of sophistication.
• The video game was savaged by gaming journalists for its broken mechanics and poor optimization.
• The TV show was savaged by television critics for its offensive humor and lack of wit.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to writing reviews or critiques, it’s important to use the right language to convey your thoughts accurately. However, many people make the mistake of using the words “panned” and “savaged” interchangeably, which can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of their intended message.

Mistake 1: Using “Panned” And “Savaged” Interchangeably

The word “panned” means to criticize harshly or to give a negative review. On the other hand, “savaged” means to attack or criticize with extreme ferocity. These two words may seem similar, but they have distinct differences in their meanings and connotations.

Using “panned” to describe a review that is actually “savaged” can make your critique seem less severe than it actually is. Conversely, using “savaged” to describe a review that is actually just “panned” can make your critique seem overly harsh and unfair.

Mistake 2: Using “Panned” And “Savaged” Inappropriately

Another common mistake is using “panned” or “savaged” in situations where they don’t apply. For example, using “panned” to describe a positive review or using “savaged” to describe a neutral review can be misleading and confusing to readers.

It’s important to choose your words carefully and accurately reflect your thoughts and opinions in your writing.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

• Take the time to fully understand the meanings and connotations of words before using them in your writing.
• Read and analyze reviews by professional critics to gain a better understanding of how to use language effectively.
• Proofread your writing carefully to ensure that you are using the right words in the right context.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can improve the clarity and accuracy of your writing and ensure that your message is conveyed effectively.

Context Matters

When it comes to critiquing a work of art, be it a movie, book, or album, the choice between using the words “panned” or “savaged” can depend heavily on the context in which they are used. While both words imply a negative review, their connotations and nuances differ.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Context 1: A movie that was highly anticipated and had a lot of hype surrounding it.

If a movie was highly anticipated and had a lot of hype surrounding it, a negative review might warrant the use of the word “savaged.” This is because the expectations were high, and the disappointment is greater. For example:

The highly anticipated blockbuster was savaged by critics, who called it a “disappointing mess.”

Context 2: A movie that was not highly anticipated and had little to no hype surrounding it.

If a movie was not highly anticipated and had little to no hype surrounding it, a negative review might warrant the use of the word “panned.” This is because the expectations were low, and the disappointment is not as great. For example:

The low-budget film was panned by critics, who called it “forgettable.”

Context 3: A book that is part of a popular series.

If a book is part of a popular series, a negative review might warrant the use of the word “panned.” This is because the book is still part of a beloved series, and the negative review might not necessarily mean the end of the series. For example:

The latest installment in the popular series was panned by critics, who called it “disappointing compared to the previous books.”

Context 4: A debut novel from a new author.

If a book is a debut novel from a new author, a negative review might warrant the use of the word “savaged.” This is because the author is not well-known, and a negative review might be more damaging to their career. For example:

The debut novel from the new author was savaged by critics, who called it “a poorly written mess.”

Overall, the choice between using “panned” or “savaged” when critiquing a work of art depends heavily on the context in which they are used. It is important to consider the expectations surrounding the work, the popularity of the series or author, and the potential impact of the review on the career of the artist.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the general rule is to use “panned” when referring to negative criticism and “savaged” when referring to harsh or brutal criticism, there are exceptions to these rules. Here are some instances where the rules might not apply:

1. Contextual Differences

Depending on the context, the use of “panned” or “savaged” might not be appropriate. For example, in the context of cooking, “panned” might refer to the act of cooking food in a pan, while “savaged” might refer to the act of seasoning food with savory spices. In this case, the rules for using these words in the context of criticism would not apply.

2. Regional Differences

Regional differences in language usage might also affect the application of the rules for using “panned” and “savaged”. In some regions, “panned” might be used more often than “savaged” even in cases of harsh criticism, and vice versa. In such cases, it is important to consider the context and audience when choosing which word to use.

3. Tone Differences

The tone of the criticism might also affect the choice between “panned” and “savaged”. For instance, if the criticism is delivered in a humorous or satirical tone, “panned” might be more appropriate than “savaged”. On the other hand, if the criticism is delivered in a serious or angry tone, “savaged” might be a better fit.

4. Personal Preference

Ultimately, the choice between “panned” and “savaged” might come down to personal preference. Some writers might prefer one word over the other, or might find that one word better suits their writing style or voice. As long as the choice is clear and consistent throughout the piece, either word can be used effectively.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have discussed the differences between “panned” and “savaged,” it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Below are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences. Make sure to read the instructions carefully and try to use the correct word in each sentence.

Exercise 1

Choose the correct word to complete each sentence:

1. The movie was __________ by critics for its poor acting and weak plot.
   • a. panned
   • b. savaged
2. The restaurant received a __________ review in the local newspaper.
   • a. panned
   • b. savaged
3. The new book by the famous author was __________ by literary critics.
   • a. panned
   • b. savaged

Answer Key: 1a, 2a, 3b

Exercise 2

Write a sentence using “panned” and another sentence using “savaged.” Then, explain the difference in meaning between the two sentences.

Panned	Savaged
The new restaurant was panned by food critics for its bland menu.	The new restaurant was savaged by food critics for its unhygienic kitchen.

Explanation: In the first sentence, “panned” means that the restaurant received a negative review, but the criticism was not overly harsh. In the second sentence, “savaged” means that the restaurant received a very negative review, with strong criticism of its cleanliness and safety.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between “panned” and “savaged,” it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably. While “panned” refers to a negative review or critique, “savaged” denotes a more severe and aggressive form of criticism.

It is important to use language accurately and appropriately, especially when it comes to conveying one’s thoughts and opinions. By understanding the nuances of words like “panned” and “savaged,” writers can effectively communicate their intended message.

Key Takeaways

• “Panned” and “savaged” are not interchangeable.
• “Panned” refers to a negative review or critique.
• “Savaged” denotes a more severe and aggressive form of criticism.
• Using language accurately is important for effective communication.

By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, readers can improve their writing skills and avoid common mistakes. The English language is complex and constantly evolving, but with dedication and practice, anyone can become a proficient writer.