Mouth

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.

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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.

Pronunciation

[MOWTH] /maʊθ/

Meaning & Usage

- Body part (noun, standard)

Clara:

He opened his mouth to take a bite of cornbread.

- Sassy or aggravating talker (noun, Southern/Appalachian)

Elmer:

That boy’s a real mouth, always cussin’ and carryin’ on.

Origin

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.

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."

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Common Questions

What does it mean to call someone a "mouth"?

In Southern and Appalachian speech, it means they’re sassy, disrespectful, or talk too much - not just that they have the body part.

Is this common outside the South?

Not really. Outside the South, you’ll usually hear "big mouth." The clipped form "mouth" is much more Southern/Appalachian.

Can it mean gossiping?

Yes. A "mouth" can be someone spreading tales, cussin’, or just talking when they shouldn’t.