unmentionable
C1Formal, literary, or humorous
Definition
Meaning
something that is too shocking, embarrassing, or taboo to be spoken about openly.
Used humorously or euphemistically to refer to undergarments, especially in historical contexts; also describes topics considered socially or morally inappropriate for discussion.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often carries a tone of mock Victorian propriety when used humorously; can imply a breach of social decorum.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly used in British English with a humorous or historical nuance, especially regarding 'unmentionables' as undergarments. In American English, it tends toward the literal meaning of 'taboo' topics.
Connotations
UK: Often genteel, period-piece humour. US: More direct connotation of social taboo.
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties, but recognised; appears more in historical novels or humorous commentary in UK English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
It is unmentionable (to mention X)X is unmentionabledeem/consider something unmentionableVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “unmentionables (noun pl.): a humorous term for underwear.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in contexts of corporate scandals or unethical practices 'considered unmentionable in the annual report'.
Academic
Used in social sciences or history to describe taboos (e.g., 'unmentionable aspects of Victorian society').
Everyday
Humorous use, e.g., 'We don't talk about Aunt Mabel's unmentionable collection of garden gnomes.'
Technical
Not typical.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The scandal was quite unmentionable in polite Edwardian society.
- She packed her unmentionables in the top drawer of the wardrobe.
American English
- The corruption allegations were considered unmentionable in official meetings.
- He felt his family's past was an unmentionable topic at Thanksgiving.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Some topics were unmentionable at my grandmother's dinner table.
- The politician's early career is something of an unmentionable subject among his advisors.
- The novel delicately exposes the unmentionable hypocrisies at the heart of the aristocratic family.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'mention' in the middle: if you can't MENTION it, it's UNMENTIONABLE.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY IS A POLITE CONVERSATION (topics can be included or excluded).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- False friend: Not directly related to 'немыслимый' (unthinkable). Closer to 'непотребный', 'неприличный', or the phrase 'об этом не говорят'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a direct synonym for 'unthinkable' (which is more about impossibility than social taboo). Confusing it with 'unmemorable'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'unmentionable' most likely used humorously?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, for embarrassing, shameful, or taboo subjects. Its humorous use for 'underwear' is not negative but euphemistic.
Most commonly, yes, in a historical or humorous sense. However, it could theoretically refer to any collection of taboo items or topics.
Both imply taboo. 'Unspeakable' is stronger, often suggesting something so awful it defies description (unspeakable horror). 'Unmentionable' is more about social propriety (unmentionable in polite company).
It has an old-fashioned flavour, especially the noun form 'unmentionables'. The adjective is still used, often with a deliberate archaic or humorous tone.