Speak ill of Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈspik/ /ˈɪɫ/ /ˈəv

SPEEK-il-uhv

UK

spˈiːk/ /ˈɪl/ /ˈɒv

SPEEK-il-ov

Definition

To say negative or unkind things about someone, usually behind their back.

Usage & Nuances

This phrase is somewhat formal or literary. Used in both serious and casual contexts. Commonly followed by 'someone' or a name. Similar to 'badmouth', but less slangy.

• Spanish: hablar mal de
• Portuguese (BR): falar mal de
• Portuguese (PT): falar mal de
• Chinese (Simplified): 说坏话 (关于…)
• Chinese (Traditional): 說壞話 (關於…)
• Hindi: बुरा बोलना (के बारे में)
• Arabic: يتكلم بسوء عن
• Bengali: কারও সম্বন্ধে খারাপ কথা বলা - কারো বদনাম করা
• Russian: плохо говорить о - злословить о
• Japanese: 悪口を言う
• Vietnamese: nói xấu về
• Korean: 남을 험담하다
• Turkish: kötülemek - arkasından konuşmak
• Urdu: کسی کی برائی کرنا - کسی کی بدگوئی کرنا
• Indonesian: membicarakan buruk tentang - menjelek-jelekkan

Example Sentences

It is not nice to speak ill of your friends.

basic

People who speak ill of others are often unhappy themselves.

basic

She never speaks ill of anyone at work.

basic

You really shouldn't speak ill of people when they're not around.

natural

After he left, everyone started to speak ill of him.

natural

I try not to speak ill of my ex, even though things ended badly.

natural