Pronunciation: [pˈɔ͡ɪzən pˈɛnz] (IPA) 
The phrase "poison pens" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription of /ˈpɔɪzən pɛnz/. It refers to the act of writing harmful or malicious words about someone in a letter or other written form. The word "poison" is spelled with the letter "o" which is pronounced as /ɔɪ/ and the letter "s" which indicates the "s" sound, while "pens" is spelled with letter "e" pronounced as /ɛ/ and "s" indicating the "z" sound.
The term "poison pens" refers to a figurative expression often used to describe individuals who engage in writing malicious, acrimonious, or hurtful content aimed at defaming or disparaging others. Derived from the metaphorical combination of "poison" and "pens," this phrase encapsulates the notion that the written words can carry a toxic, harmful effect, resembling the result of a literal venomous substance.
Historically, the use of poison pens dates back to when letter-writing was more prevalent. However, with the advent of technology, it has extended to include various forms of written communication, such as social media posts, emails, or blogs. Poison pens are typically fueled by negative emotions, personal vendettas, or sheer malicious intent, seeking to damage reputations, relationships, or careers.
Those who wield poison pens often employ rhetorical devices, such as sarcasm, insults, or innuendos, to convey their spiteful messages. These writers target their victims with a cunning intent to manipulate or provoke reactions, perpetuating the cycle of harm. Poison pens can cause emotional distress, tarnish one's image, or even bring about severe consequences depending on the context and audience.
While some individuals may resort to poison pens as a means of venting their frustrations or expressing dissenting views, these actions are often seen as morally reprehensible or unethical. Consequently, societies and online platforms increasingly focus on combating and penalizing this behavior through policies, guidelines, and legal measures to tackle defamation, cyberbullying, or hate speech.
Overall, "poison pens" denotes those who wield writing as a weapon, injecting venomous words into their content with the intent to harm, attack, or destroy the reputation of others.
The term "poison pen" originated in the early 19th century and comes from the combination of two separate terms: "poison" and "pen". word "poison" has its roots in the Latin word "potio", meaning "potion" or "drink". Over time, the meaning of "poison" expanded to refer to any substance that is harmful or fatal when ingested, inhaled, or applied. In a figurative sense, "poison" has been used to describe something that is extremely harmful, toxic, or detrimental. word "pen" originates from the Latin word "penna", meaning "feather". In ancient times, bird feathers were commonly used as writing instruments before the invention of metal or wooden pens. As writing instruments evolved, the term "pen" came to refer to any instrument used for writing, such as a quill or a metal-tipped pen.
