Got a Mouth on Him
In Southern and Appalachian speech, "got a mouth on him" means someone talks in ways they shouldn’t - whether it’s cussin’, sassin’, or runnin’ their mouth too much. It’s a colorful scolding phrase used by parents, neighbors, and old-timers.
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Oh we all know a few fellers 'got a mouth on him' - and that's what most of us would say. Oh we all know a few fellers 'got a mouth on him' - and that's what most of us would say. Pronunciation
Meaning & Usage
- Using foul language (verb phrase, figurative)
Listen at him carryin’ on.Yep, he’s got a mouth on him.- Backtalk or sass (verb phrase, figurative)
Don’t you roll your eyes at me.That girl’s got a mouth on her.- Gossiping or telling too much (verb phrase, figurative)
How’d word get out so fast?That feller’s got a mouth on him - can’t keep nothin’ quiet.Origin and Etymology
From the plain English word "mouth," meaning speech. In Southern and Appalachian usage, the phrase "got a mouth on him" took shape as a scolding way of saying someone’s talk is out of line.
Usage Notes
Still widely used in the South and Appalachia, especially among parents and old-timers. Less common outside the region, where folks usually say "mouthy" or "big mouth" instead.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "got a mouth on ’im." Often softened to "got a mouth on ’er" when talking about girls.