hater
(slang, pejorative) One who expresses unfounded or inappropriate hatred or dislike, particularly if motivated by envy.
Slang comparison
hatervsjealous
What's the difference between hater and jealous?
A hater specifically directs negativity at you — they want you to fail or downplay your wins. Jealous is the inner feeling — wishing you had what someone else does. Every hater is jealous; not every jealous person becomes a hater.
Side-by-side
| Dimension | hater | jealous |
|---|---|---|
| Category | 🗺️ Regional & Other | 🇦🇺 Australian & NZ slang |
| Region | — | Australia |
| First attested | — | ~1400 |
| Views | 47 | 59 |
| Editorial status | community | community |
Top definitions
jealous
Protective; zealously guarding; careful in the protection of something (or someone) one has or appreciates, especially one's spouse or lover.
Usage guidance
When to use hater
External behaviour — someone actively trying to drag you down.
When to use jealous
Internal feeling — wanting what someone else has, no action required.
FAQ
What's the difference between hater and jealous?+
A hater specifically directs negativity at you — they want you to fail or downplay your wins. Jealous is the inner feeling — wishing you had what someone else does. Every hater is jealous; not every jealous person becomes a hater.
When should I use hater?+
External behaviour — someone actively trying to drag you down.
When should I use jealous?+
Internal feeling — wanting what someone else has, no action required.
Are hater and jealous interchangeable?+
They overlap heavily but the connotations are different. Use the "when to use" sections above to pick the right one.