   Got a Mouth on HimIn 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. #SouthernSayings #Appalachia #People&Relationships #Southern #Scoldin’andTeasin’ Hillbilly Dude Says...  Oh we all know a few fellers 'got a mouth on him' - and that's what most of us would say. Pronunciation[GOT uh MOWTH on um] Meaning & Usage- Using foul language (verb phrase, figurative)
Mae:
Listen at him carryin’ on.
Earl:
Yep, he’s got a mouth on him.- Backtalk or sass (verb phrase, figurative)
Mae:
Don’t you roll your eyes at me.
Earl:
That girl’s got a mouth on her.- Gossiping or telling too much (verb phrase, figurative)
Mae:
How’d word get out so fast?
Earl:
That feller’s got a mouth on him - can’t keep nothin’ quiet.other spellings: got a mouth on her ★ This saying can mean different kinds of "talkin’ wrong" - cussin’, sassin’, or gossipin’. Context makes it clear which one’s meant. ★ OriginFrom 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. NotesStill 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 SouthernerSaid plain: "got a mouth on ’im." Often softened to "got a mouth on ’er" when talking about girls. | About We are a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia, but wide as the world. Read more... |
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