An '''insult''' is a [[spech|spoken]] phrase or a physical act that is degrading or offensive to others and which may be done intentionally or accidentally.
Insults may range from a single derogatory [[word]] (such as calling someone an "idiot" or even something more [[profanity|profane]]), to complete articles or [[book]]s.
Insulting acts may comprise making an offensive [[gesture]], desecrating a holy book or defiling symbols of national identity like the [[flag]]. Accidental insults may result from unfamiliarity with other cultures.