Badmouth Meaning in English

word

US

ˈbæd.maʊθ

BAD-mouth

UK

bˈædməθ

BAD-muhth

Definition

To say negative, unfair, or harmful things about someone or something, especially behind their back.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and usually negative; often used for criticizing people in their absence. Common with 'don't badmouth', 'badmouth someone/something'. Not about honest criticism, but about unfair or damaging talk.

• Spanish: hablar mal de - criticar (negativamente)
• Portuguese (BR): falar mal de - criticar (negativamente)
• Portuguese (PT): falar mal de - criticar (negativamente)
• Chinese (Simplified): 诋毁 - 说坏话
• Chinese (Traditional): 詆毀 - 說壞話
• Hindi: बुरा कहना - बदनाम करना
• Arabic: يشوّه السمعة - يتكلم بالسوء عن
• Bengali: কটাক্ষ করা - বদনাম করা
• Russian: плохо говорить - поливать грязью
• Japanese: 悪口を言う
• Vietnamese: nói xấu - nói điều không hay
• Korean: 욕하다 - 험담하다
• Turkish: kötülemek - arkasından konuşmak
• Urdu: بدنام کرنا - برا کہنا
• Indonesian: menjelek-jelekkan - membicarakan buruk

Example Sentences

Please don't badmouth your classmates.

basic

It is wrong to badmouth people behind their backs.

basic

She didn't badmouth anyone during the meeting.

basic

You shouldn't badmouth your old boss if you want a reference.

natural

They love to badmouth the competition to get more customers.

natural

I try not to badmouth anyone, even if they're not around.

natural