By Word of Mouth 🗣
Definition: Sharing information orally, rather than through written means.
Origin: This timeless phrase dates back to the sixteenth century and has persisted through the ages. Nicholas Udall authored in ‘Ralph Roister Doister’ (circa 1553), distinguishing an oral message from a written one: “A little message unto hir by worde of mouth.”
Related Terms:
- Grapevine: Informal communication, especially one filled with rumors and gossip.
- Hear it on the grapevine: To come across news or information through unofficial means.
- Oral Tradition: Cultural material and traditions transmitted vocally from one generation to another.
- Passed down: Information or traditions received from ancestors.
Synonyms:
- Verbally: Through spoken language.
- Orally: By means of speech.
- Audibly: Capable of being heard.
Antonyms:
- In Writing: Documented form.
- Textually: Through written texts.
- Inscribed: Marked with writing.
Quotes and Humor:
- “Some of the best ‘books’ are never written.” —Anonymous
- “If you want to keep a secret, it’s advisable not to broadcast it via the grapevine.” 😜
Proverbs:
- “Actions speak louder than words” — A reminder that deeds often have more impact than spoken promises.
Literature Recommendations:
- “The Odyssey” by Homer: An epic poem traditionally passed down orally before being transcribed.
- “Beowulf”: An ancient epic that circulated as verbal storytelling before hitting the page.
- “Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls”: Modern storytelling with a nod to the tradition of oral transmission.
Songs and Movies:
- “Heard It Through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye: A classic tune capturing the essence of rumor mills.
- “The Princess Bride” by William Goldman: A tale spinning delightful yarns rich with jokes about the power of storytelling.
- “Big Fish” directed by Tim Burton: A whimsical look at the stories we tell and their impact.
### Which phrase means "to hear news through unofficial channels"?
- [ ] Curtains twitched
- [ ] Wallflowers whisper
- [x] Hear it on the grapevine
- [ ] Birds are chirping
> **Explanation:** "Hear it on the grapevine" means to come across news or information through informal channels, often through gossip.
### True or False: "Oral Tradition" refers to transmitting cultural material through written documentation.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False. Oral Tradition involves transmitting cultural material and traditions through spoken language from one generation to another.
### Which best describes the phrase "by word of mouth"?
- [ ] Sharing written novels
- [ ] Posting on social media
- [x] Communicating orally
- [ ] Sending an email
> **Explanation:** "By word of mouth" refers to sharing information orally, rather than through written means.
### What is a synonym for “by word of mouth”?
- [ ] Scribbled
- [x] Verbally
- [ ] Textually
- [ ] Digitally
> **Explanation:** The synonym “verbally” means spoken communication, similar to the phrase "by word of mouth.”
### Fill in the blank: "Stories that parents ___ to their children are part of an oral tradition."
- [x] tell
- [ ] write
- [ ] type
- [ ] print
> **Explanation:** "Tell" fits because it signifies communicating stories aloud, characteristic of an oral tradition.
Farewell Thought: Remember, the most priceless stories aren’t always found within the pages of a book; sometimes, they resonate best through the cadence of a voice.
