Explore the origins, meanings, and cultural significance of the phrase 'put one’s foot in it/one’s mouth,' a common expression for verbal blunders.
To “put one’s foot in it” or “put one’s foot in one’s mouth” refers to the act of making a verbal blunder, often by saying something inappropriate or embarrassing. The phrase is commonly used to describe situations where an individual inadvertently offends or embarrasses themselves through their speech.
The phrase “put one’s foot in it” dates back to the early eighteenth century. Its origins are presumed to be analogous to the act of stepping into an undesirable or inappropriate situation. Jonathan Swift’s Polite Conversation (1738) provides one of the earliest documented uses: “The bishop has put his foot in it.” By the nineteenth century, the expression had become widely recognized, as evidenced by its inclusion in a slang dictionary published in 1823.
The variant “put one’s foot in one’s mouth” emerged later, with a documented definition appearing in P. W. Joyce’s English As We Speak It (1910), which describes it as applicable to individuals prone to making blundering expressions: “You never open your mouth but you put your foot in it.”
The phrase conveys the notion of a verbal misstep, implying that the speaker has inadvertently created an awkward or embarrassing situation. The imagery of placing one’s foot in one’s mouth effectively captures the sense of clumsiness and regret associated with such blunders. The expression is often used humorously or sympathetically to acknowledge the commonality of such errors in everyday communication.
In contemporary culture, the phrase is frequently used in both casual and formal contexts to describe moments of social faux pas. It appears in literature, media, and everyday conversation as a way to acknowledge and sometimes diffuse the tension of verbal mistakes. The expression has also been colloquially referred to as “foot-in-mouth disease,” highlighting its humorous connotations.
In professional settings, the phrase is often used to describe diplomatic or public relations errors, while in social contexts, it may refer to personal or interpersonal blunders. In literary works, the expression can be employed to illustrate character flaws or to create comedic situations.
The phrase remains relevant in modern discourse due to its vivid imagery and universal applicability to human communication errors. Its continued usage in various contexts suggests a strong durability: ★★★★☆.
“The bishop has put his foot in it.” - Jonathan Swift, Polite Conversation (1738)
“You never open your mouth but you put your foot in it.” - P. W. Joyce, English As We Speak It (1910)