Crossword Genius

Malicious utterances somehow masculine (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

calumnies

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'malicious utterances' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?

'somehow masculine' is the wordplay.
'somehow' is an anagram indicator.
'masculine' anagrammed gives 'CALUMNIES'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for calumnies that I've seen before include "false statements" , "Masculine sort of defamations" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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