A bit of mudslinging is a derogatory term used to describe the act of making false or damaging statements about someone in order to discredit them. It typically involves spreading rumors, lies, and innuendos in an attempt to damage the reputation of the target. The two crossword solutions for this term are 'SMEAR' and 'SLUR', both of which refer to the same type of behavior. SMEAR is a five-letter word meaning to spread false or damaging information about someone, while SLUR is a four-letter word meaning to make a disparaging remark about someone.