Crossword Genius

Being in the red is either evil or vile, thus scorned (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

reviled

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'thus scorned' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with communicating as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'being in the red is either evil or vile' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'red' could be 'r' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'r' is found in the answer.
an anagram of 'evil' is 'vile' which is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'ed' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for reviled that I've seen before include "Abusively criticised" , "Abused" , "Deliver (anag.)" , "Maligned, vilified" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.