In Southern and Appalachian speech, calling someone a "mouth" means they’re sassy, gossipy, or talking in a way that’s aggravating or disrespectful. It’s a clipped, regional sense of the everyday word.
synonyms: big talker, gossip, backtalker, loudmouth
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Oh I use 'mouth' all the time. I have as long as I can remember, and we did growin' up. I'm exactly sure if it's regional or just in my family.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Oh I use 'mouth' all the time. I have as long as I can remember, and we did growin' up. I'm exactly sure if it's regional or just in my family.
Pronunciation
[MOWTH] /maʊθ/
Meaning & Usage
- Body part (noun, standard)
Literal meaning
Clara:
He opened his mouth to take a bite of cornbread.
- Sassy or aggravating talker (noun, Southern/Appalachian)
Dialectal use
Elmer:
That boy’s a real mouth, always cussin’ and carryin’ on.
Origin and Etymology
From the standard English noun mouth. In Southern and Appalachian usage, the word broadened to describe a person who "runs their mouth," especially someone gossiping, talking back, or speaking rudely.
Usage Notes
Mouth in this sense is distinct from the national phrase "big mouth." In the South/Appalachia, just plain mouth is enough.
Often used to describe kids who sass their elders, or adults who gossip and cuss.
Closely related expressions: "run your mouth," "he’s got a mouth on him," and "big mouth."
Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...
Oh I use 'mouth' all the time. I have as long as I can remember, and we did growin' up. I'm exactly sure if it's regional or just in my family. 
