To talk incessantly. The image conveyed is that of a river of words flowing ceaselessly from someone’s mouth, a case of logorrhea (verbal diarrhea). An American slang term dating from about 1900, it was defined in a 1909 issue of Dialect Notes. “I’m a pig coming over here and running off at the mouth,” wrote Alison Lurie (Love and Friendship, 1962).
Related and Similar Terms 📚
- Motor mouth: Someone who talks fast and incessantly.
- Chatterbox: A person who talks a lot.
- Blabbermouth: Someone who talks too much and often shares secrets.
- Windbag: Someone who talks a lot but says little of value.
Synonyms 🗣️
- Babble
- Prattle
- Gab
- Jabber
- Yak
Antonyms 🤫
- Silent
- Quiet
- Mute
- Reticent
- Taciturn
Humor-Filled Quotes 🤣
- “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. Especially if you make them feel like they’re being waterboarded with words.” — Maya Gestalt, Witty Remixes
Proverbs 🏺
- “Speech is silver, but silence is golden.” – Proverb implying that sometimes saying nothing is better.
- “A wise man speaks because he has something to say; a fool because he has to say something.” – Plato probably got tired of listening to fools.
Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies 🎬🎶
- Books: “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald - Gatsby’s parties were filled with people running off at the mouth.
- Poetry: “Jabberwocky” by Lewis Carroll - Although nonsensical, it’s a great representation of chatter.
- Songs: “Yakety Yak” by The Coasters - A playful admonition to someone who talks too much.
- Movies: “Legally Blonde” - Elle Woods may talk a lot, but she’s always got something worthwhile to say.
Intriguing and Engaging Titles 📖
- 💬 The Blabbermouth Chronicles: Overcoming the Audio Avalanche
- 🧠 Brain Buffers Required: When Being Quiet is Revolutionary
- 📣 Earplugs Not Included: Managing The Non-Stop Talkers
- 🤐 Silent Wisdom: Celebrating the Art of Not Talking
Thought-Provoking Farewell ✨
“Life’s greatest moments often come when we cease the river of words and listen to the silent symphony of the world around us. Remember, sometimes the most powerful voice is the one that chooses silence.”
Quiz Time! 🧩
### What does 'running off at the mouth' mean?
- [x] Talking incessantly
- [ ] Eating too quickly
- [ ] Exercising vigorously
- [ ] Dancing enthusiastically
> **Explanation:** "Running off at the mouth" means talking without stopping, often to the point of annoyance for the listener.
### Which synonym fits 'running off at the mouth' best?
- [ ] Silent
- [ ] Quiet
- [x] Babble
- [ ] Reticent
> **Explanation:** "Babble" fits best as it's synonymous with incessant talking.
### True or False: 'Running off at the mouth' originated in the 2000s.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** This American slang term actually originated around 1900, well before the turn of the millennium.
### Which proverb aligns with the concept of avoiding 'running off at the mouth'?
- [ ] "Actions speak louder than words."
- [ ] "The early bird catches the worm."
- [x] "Speech is silver, but silence is golden."
- [ ] "A penny saved is a penny earned."
> **Explanation:** "Speech is silver, but silence is golden" is a proverb that values the importance of sometimes saying nothing.
### In which of the following books might you encounter 'running off at the mouth'?
- [ ] "The Quiet American" by Graham Greene
- [x] "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- [ ] "The Silent Corner" by Dean Koontz
- [ ] "Mute" by Piers Anthony
> **Explanation:** Gatsby’s parties in "The Great Gatsby" were filled with people who couldn't stop talking.
