Image via WikipediaThe sin of hurting another’s feelings deliberately is called ona’at devarim (Vayikra 25:17). It applies to words or gestures which makes others feel ashamed, humiliated or unimportant. This includes name-calling, criticism, ridicule, sarcasm, teasing and humiliating punishments, everything related to causing emotional suffering to others.
This is available also when it is about dealing with children or teaching, in businesses and in the relations between spouses.
The general prohibition against verbal abuse: Bava Metzia 58b, 59a
Saying, "I was kidding [Mishateh Ani Bach]": Yevamot 106a (to fool a man into performing the Chalitzah-Rite ending a woman's Levirate Bond)
Inquiring about the price of an item, when one has no intent to buy: Bava Metzia 58b
Handling merchandise when one doesn't have money, thus chasing away real customers: Pesachim 112b
Misleading someone who is seeking merchandise, sending him to someone who doesn't sell it: Bava Metzia 58b
Reminding a person of his sinful past, when he has repented: Bava Metzia 58b
Reminding a descendant of converts of his parents' pre-conversion deeds: Bava Metzia 58b
Telling a suffering person that his suffering is punishment for his sins: Bava Metzia 58b
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