【Libel】 ,  【skit】 ,  【squib】 ,  【lampoon】 ,  【pasquinade】  mean a public and often satirical presentation of faults or weaknesses, especially those of an individual.

【Libel】  (compare  【libel】 vb under MALIGN ) is the legal term for statement or representation (as a cartoon) published or circulated without just cause or excuse, which tends to expose a person to public contempt, hatred, or ridicule.

【Skit】 applies to an amusing satire typically in the form of a dramatic sketch or story that may be more humorous or ironical than satirical and is usually of no very great weight or seriousness; the term seldom connotes malice, bitterness, or abusiveness, but it often suggests the infliction of a sting.

【Squib】 applies to a short and clever often malicious piece of satirical writing that makes its point with a sharp thrust and evokes laughter or amusement.

【Lampoon】  suggests more virulence and abusiveness and a coarser humor than  【skit】  or  【squib】 .

【Pasquinade】  is preferred to  【lampoon】 when such circumstances as anonymity, public posting, political character, or extreme scurrility are implied.