Mouth off Meaning in English
expression
ˈmaʊθ/ /ˈɔf
MOWTH-AWF
mʌʊθ/ /ˈɒf
MOWTH-OFF
Definition
To speak in a rude, disrespectful, or bold way, often complaining or criticizing, especially to someone in authority.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, sometimes mildly rude. Used mostly in negative contexts about being disrespectful to authority (parents, teachers, bosses). Often follows 'at' ("mouth off at someone"). Synonyms: 'talk back', 'sass'. Avoid using with people you don't know well.
Spanish: fanfarronear - hablar de más - hablar insolentementePortuguese (BR): falar grosso - falar de forma insolente - responderPortuguese (PT): falar à boca cheia - falar descaradamente - responder com atrevimentoChinese (Simplified): 顶嘴 - 乱说话 - 出口无状Chinese (Traditional): 頂嘴 - 亂說話 - 出口無狀Hindi: बेबात बोलना - मुँह चलानाArabic: يتكلم بوقاحة - يتحدث بطريقة غير محترمةBengali: বাধা দেয়া - বেয়াদবি করাRussian: огрызаться - дерзитьJapanese: 口答えする - 生意気なことを言うVietnamese: cãi lại - nói hỗnKorean: 말대꾸하다 - 건방지게 말하다Turkish: laf atmak - ukalalık yapmakUrdu: منہ پھاڑنا - بدتمیزی کرناIndonesian: membantah - ngomong kasar
Example Sentences
Don't mouth off to your teacher.
basic
He got in trouble for mouthing off in class.
basic
Kids should learn not to mouth off at their parents.
basic
Why are you always mouthing off when someone gives you advice?
natural
You shouldn't mouth off at your boss if you want to keep your job.
natural
He got suspended for mouthing off at the coach during the game.
natural