Q. When describing someone to someone else is it Loshon Hara to use phrases or descriptors such as ... “she’s /he’s a little heavyset “ to get the person to recall who you are speaking about. Or other obvious physical attribute which would jog someone’s memory but which may not be the most appealing...(acne, twitch)?
-Also this would be strictly for describing purposes not to chas vshalom make fun of that particular feature.
2. Is it safe to say that descriptors such a “short” / “tall” are totally fine..?
Thank you very much.
A. Chavos Yoir (152) explains the use by some Sages of the disparaging title "tardo" (Baba Kama 105, Baba Metzia 20, et al), that means fool or boor (Rashi), and other similar derogatory titles, as said in the heat of a friendly Torah debate and not in any insulting way. (See also Sanhedrin 59, on yarod nali, Pesachim 34b, Zavachim 60b on Babbloe tipshoei etc.).
It was also common to name Sages by their occupation as in Rav Yochanan Hassandlar, Shimon Hapekuli, Rabi Yehuda Hanachtum and others. Rav was named Ava Aricha because of his exceptional height. (Chulin 137b), while Shemuel was called Gutza, as he was short (Nedarim 50b).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that when a slightly detracting personal asset is used only for identifying purposes, and not with constancy, it is permitted, since no ill intentions are involved.
The Rov added that the tone and form of the reply is essential in allowing the description.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
Important Numbers
