mouth off
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
Say rude or loud things to someone, or talk in a way that shows no respect.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To speak rudely or disrespectfully to someone, especially a person in authority.
"He got sent out of class for mouthing off at the teacher in front of everyone."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
To talk loudly, boastfully, or without appropriate restraint about one's opinions or achievements.
"He's always mouthing off about how much money he earns — it's embarrassing."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Used in both British and American English. Usually critical — the speaker disapproves of the behaviour. Can mean talking rudely to an authority figure, boasting, or expressing opinions loudly and inappropriately. Often followed by 'at' or 'about'.
Commonly used with
teacher boss audience about stop always
Forms
Base
mouth off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
mouths off
he/she/it
Past simple
mouthed off
yesterday
Past participle
mouthed off
have + pp
-ing form
mouthing off
continuous
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