Call out

[Kawl-out] Accusatory verb

To verbally hold someone to account for their words or actions.

Derivation:

Historically, someone was ‘called out’ to perform a simple action. For example, it used to be common to ‘call out’ a plumber to fix a leaking pipe. In recent times, we have seen a revival of the once popular tradition of public denunciation. ‘Calling’ someone ‘out’ has become an effective way for aggrieved people to denounce an opponent, without the cumbersome task of detailing their accusation. By performing this task in public, the subject of the ‘call out’ is answerable to an audience who acts on the accuser’s behalf. The subject is unable to defend themselves, through logic or argument, and is forced to seek redemption through a public display of contrition, issuing an apology and expressing the intention to ‘seek help’. This simultaneously establishes the accusers moral authority, creates an appreciative crowd and saves time.

Use:

“I’m calling you out for your inappropriate behaviour, say sorry”.