mouth off: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, often pejorative
Quick answer
What does “mouth off” mean?
To talk loudly, arrogantly, or disrespectfully.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To talk loudly, arrogantly, or disrespectfully; to express one's opinions in a rude or confrontational way.
To complain, boast, or argue in a loud, uncontrolled, or insolent manner, often without considering the consequences or showing respect for authority.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The phrase is well-understood and used in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally negative and informal in both dialects.
Frequency
Common in both, perhaps slightly more frequent in American English, especially in contexts related to defiance of authority.
Grammar
How to Use “mouth off” in a Sentence
[Subject] + mouth off + (at/to + [Person])[Subject] + mouth off + about + [Topic][Subject] + mouth off + (adverb, e.g., constantly, angrily)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mouth off” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The lad got detention for mouthing off at his maths teacher.
- He's always mouthing off about politics in the pub.
American English
- The player was ejected for mouthing off to the referee.
- She mouthed off about her boss on social media and got in trouble.
adverb
British English
- (No adverbial form.)
American English
- (No adverbial form.)
adjective
British English
- (No common adjectival form for the phrasal verb. Related: 'mouthy'.)
American English
- (No common adjectival form for the phrasal verb. Related: 'mouthy'.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly inappropriate. 'He got fired for mouthing off to the regional director.'
Academic
Not used in formal writing; may appear in informal speech among students or staff. 'The student was disciplined for mouthing off at the professor.'
Everyday
Common in informal speech, especially regarding conflict or disrespect. 'Don't you dare mouth off to your mother like that!'
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mouth off”
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Confusing it with 'speak up' (which is positive).
- Incorrect preposition: 'He mouthed off on the teacher' (should be 'at' or 'to').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is almost always negative and implies rudeness, insolence, or a lack of respect.
Yes, it can be intransitive (e.g., 'He just wouldn't stop mouthing off.'). However, it often takes a prepositional phrase starting with 'to', 'at', or 'about'.
'Mouth off' specifically includes a rude, loud, or defiant attitude. You can 'complain' politely, but 'mouthing off' is never polite.
Yes, 'mouthy' (informal) describes a person who is likely to mouth off—cheeky, talkative, and disrespectful.
To talk loudly, arrogantly, or disrespectfully.
Mouth off is usually informal, often pejorative in register.
Mouth off: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmaʊθ ˈɒf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmaʊθ ˈɔːf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Shut your mouth! (as a related imperative)”
- “Big mouth (noun for someone who mouths off)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone's MOUTH is so active and rude it's trying to jump OFF their face to shout at someone.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISRESPECTFUL SPEECH IS UNCONTROLLED PHYSICAL EJECTION (from the mouth).
Practice
Quiz
What is the closest meaning of 'mouth off' in this sentence: 'The teenager mouthed off to the security guard and was asked to leave the mall.'?