Bullies can be defined by their words and actions.
These are the emotional, verbal weapons a bully uses:
exclusion, mockery, insults, intimidation,rejection, shaming, embarrassing,name calling, gossiping
These are the physical weapons a bully uses:not respecting personal space, obstructing your path, damaging your property, stealing, extorting money or goods, chasing, pushing, punching and fighting
Verbal bullying doesn’t always lead to physical bullying but I think it can often be worse. Its strategy is to induce fear, social rejection and shame. That can be much worse than a black eye. I think physical bullies have been taught by life that violence is the solution to conflict. Violence is what they use to increase their self satisfaction, their ego, their sense that they have “won”. Maybe they are acting out from a former sense of being victimized as children themselves. It may be coming from a sense of insecurity or not. I think the bully needs social approval. They are like a negative version of leadership. They seek followers in order to feel important.
I have been bullied and it was not your typical case of bullying. The person doing it was one of the highest ranking classmates in my high school. I had done nothing to induce his wrath except get on the top ranking academic list. He made fun of me in whispers to his friend sitting behind me during class so I couldn’t avoid it. He insulted me and made me dread going to that class. My best friend didn’t even stand up for me when he made fun of me. I found out from another friend that did. My case was mild yet painful enough. I feel so horrible for kids who have it worse.
I don’t really know what you are getting at by language and word choices. Can you elaborate a little?