1 B2 idiomatic informal
To talk at length, loudly and opinionatedly, often boring or irritating others
"He's always spouting off about how the government is ruining the country."
inseparable
spout off
B2 informal inseparable transitive/intransitive
To speak at length about something in a loud, opinionated, and often tedious or ill-informed way
In plain English
To talk a lot about your opinions loudly, especially in a way that annoys others
What does "spout off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To recite or repeat information rapidly and at length, whether accurate or not
"She spouted off a long list of statistics without pausing for breath."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To emit words like a spout (pipe) that can't be turned off — partially transparent
Actually means
To talk a lot about your opinions loudly, especially in a way that annoys others
Usage tip
Often carries a negative or dismissive tone, implying the speaker is boring, repetitive, or uninformed. Can be used reflexively ('he's always spouting off') or with a topic ('spouting off about politics'). More common in American English. Similar to 'sound off' but with greater implication of worthless repetition.
Words that pair with "spout off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
politics opinions nonsense conspiracy theories facts mouth
How to conjugate "spout off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
spout off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
spouts off
he/she/it
Past simple
spouted off
yesterday
Past participle
spouted off
have + pp
-ing form
spouting off
continuous
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