“Lip Service: When Lips Do All the Talking”
An insincere expression of friendship, devotion, or support. Even the Old and New Testaments mention honoring God or Jesus with just one’s lips (Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 15:8). This phrase keeps its religious glow in early English quotes, like the 1644 reference in the “Directory for the Publique Worship Throughout the Three Kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland.” Here’s the money quote: “Pleasing themselves in their lip-service in bearing a part in it,”—pure gold!
Synonyms
- Empty words
- Tokenism
- Hypocrisy
- Hot air
Antonyms
- Genuine support
- Heartfelt action
- True commitment
Humor-Filled Quotes
- “He pays lip service so often, his lips have a frequent flyer program.”
- “Lip service is the easiest workout around—you get all the credit without lifting a finger!”
Related Proverbs
- “Actions speak louder than words.”
- “Words without deeds are like a garden full of weeds.”
Literary References
- 1984 by George Orwell – Beware the government that offers only lip service.
- Animal Farm by George Orwell – The animals pay lip service to all their ideals.
Music and Songs
- “All Talk” by Brassy – When lyrics become just lip service.
- “Promises, Promises” by Naked Eyes – Highlighting insincere commitments.
Films and Movies
- Liar Liar – Jim Carrey’s character takes lip service to ridiculous levels until the truth comes marching in.
- The Devil Wears Prada – Where flattery is the currency, and sincerity is out of stock.
Quiz: Are You a Lip Service Master? Find Out Here!
### Which of these is the meaning of "lip service"?
- [x] Insincere expression of friendship or support
- [ ] An offer of a free public service
- [ ] The act of moisturizing one's lips
- [ ] Speaking without using one's lips
> **Explanation:** Lip service means offering insincere acknowledgments or support without real intention.
### True or False: Lip service began in the 21st century.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** This term has biblical roots and historical examples dating back centuries.
### Choose the related phrase:
- [x] Actions speak louder than words
- [ ] Make like a banana and split
- [ ] Let the cat out of the bag
- [ ] Spill the beans
> **Explanation:** The phrase “Actions speak louder than words” aligns with the idea that lip service lacks genuine actions.
### Identify the idiomatic synonym for "lip service":
- [ ] Pat on the back
- [x] Empty words
- [ ] Chicken feed
- [ ] Lemon law
> **Explanation:** "Empty words" aptly describes insincere or meaningless declarations, similar to lip service.
Farewell Thought: Words are a dime a dozen, but sincerity is priceless. As you navigate life, may your actions always align with your words, making both as valuable as diamonds.
Respectfully verbose,
Eli O’Cution
