bigmouth: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumInformal, mildly pejorative/slang
Quick answer
What does “bigmouth” mean?
A person who talks too much, especially in a loud, boastful, or indiscreet way.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who talks too much, especially in a loud, boastful, or indiscreet way.
Someone who habitually reveals secrets or says things that are better left unsaid. Can also refer to a person who makes exaggerated claims or boasts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and meaning are identical in both dialects. The compound form 'bigmouth' is standard; hyphenated form 'big-mouth' is less common but possible.
Connotations
Identical connotations of indiscretion, boastfulness, or annoying talkativeness.
Frequency
Equally informal and common in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “bigmouth” in a Sentence
[determiner] bigmouth[possessive] bigmouthbigmouth [relative clause, e.g., who...]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bigmouth” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not standard as a verb)
American English
- (Not standard as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Not standard as an adverb)
American English
- (Not standard as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- (Not standard as an adjective)
American English
- (Not standard as an adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; would be highly informal and critical, e.g., 'We can't share the merger plans with him—he's a known bigmouth.'
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Common in informal conversation to criticise someone for talking too much or revealing secrets.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bigmouth”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bigmouth”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bigmouth”
- Using it as an adjective (*'He is very bigmouth.'). It is a noun. Correct: 'He is a bigmouth.'
- Confusing with 'loudmouth', which focuses more on volume and obnoxiousness, while 'bigmouth' focuses on quantity and indiscretion (though overlap exists).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal and critical, so it can be rude if used directly to someone. It's milder than an outright insult but expresses clear annoyance.
Yes, depending on the relationship and tone. 'Oh, you bigmouth!' said with a smile can be light-hearted teasing.
They overlap significantly. 'Loudmouth' emphasises volume and being obnoxious. 'Bigmouth' emphasises talking too much, being indiscreet, or boasting. A loudmouth is always loud; a bigmouth might gossip quietly.
No, this is not a standard verb. To express the action, you would use phrases like 'shoot one's mouth off', 'gossip', 'blab', or 'boast'.
A person who talks too much, especially in a loud, boastful, or indiscreet way.
Bigmouth is usually informal, mildly pejorative/slang in register.
Bigmouth: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɪɡmaʊθ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɪɡˌmaʊθ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Shut your big mouth!”
- “He's a bigmouth and a half.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Picture someone with a comically large, flapping mouth, telling everyone's secrets.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEECH IS A PHYSICAL SUBSTANCE EMITTED FROM THE MOUTH. A BIG CONTAINER (MOUTH) EMITS MORE SUBSTANCE (WORDS).
Practice
Quiz
In which situation would you MOST LIKELY call someone a 'bigmouth'?