If an individual or couple sit down and start criticizing another individual/couple/family about some of their habits, is that considered LaShon HaRa or is it more technically Motzi Shem Ra?
Answer:
Motzi Shem Ra refers to false reports about somebody. Lashon Hara refers to reports that are true but negative, disparaging or insulting.
If both parties know that the individual being discussed eats with his hands (for instance), and one tells the other, “you know they was Ploni eats with his hands is really disgusting,” this is also a form of Lashon Hara, which the Chafetz Chaim forbids. Although it is not the classic case that generally appears in the Gemara and later commentaries, it remains negative speech about others.
Best wishes.
