Group None

As to our sometimes finding a heter in the words of Chazal [for him to speak as he does] if he would not prevent himself from speaking thus before him, this applies only in an instance of the "dust" of lashon hara, and when he says something which may be understood in two ways, so that if we explained his words in one way, there would be nothing demeaning about them. And this is known to depend upon the intent of the speaker and upon what is said at the time. For if he wishes, he can express himself by voice and movement in a very low- keyed mode, so that nothing demeaning against his friend can be detected in his words. And if he wishes, he can express himself in such a way that the listener understands his intent, in a different sense, as demeaning. And it is very difficult to determine [the dividing line] exactly. Therefore, Chazal have said that if in the mode of movement by which he utters these words, no one would be ashamed to speak thus before his friend, it is clear that his intent is not to demean him, and it is permitted. But if it is evident from his movements that his intent is to demean him (and if so, a man, in general, would be ashamed to speak thus before his friend), even though the entire affair in itself, even if it be perceived as demeaning, is only the "dust" of lashon hara, and true, and he knows that he himself would speak thus even before him, it is nevertheless forbidden.