Word of mouth

Meaning

"Word of mouth" is an idiom that refers to information or news that is spread from person to person, typically through casual conversations. It can also refer to personal recommendations or endorsements given by individuals based on their own experiences or knowledge. The phrase originates from the idea that people pass on stories and information they hear or experience to others without being told directly by a reliable source.

Usage

• "The new restaurant in town has been getting great word of mouth, so I'm excited to check it out!"
• "I always trust recommendations from friends more than online reviews, especially when it comes to books."
• "Word of mouth can be both a blessing and a curse - while it's great for spreading good news, it can also cause unnecessary panic or rumors."
• "The city council is considering banning smoking in public places based on the overwhelmingly negative word of mouth from local residents."
• "I'm planning to start my own business and hope to gain a loyal customer base through positive word of mouth and referrals."

Roots and History

"Word of mouth" has been used in English since at least the 14th century, with the earliest known use being recorded in 1360. The phrase comes from Old French "voix par voix," which means "voice to voice." Over time, the idiom has evolved to refer specifically to information or news that is passed on through personal conversations and word of mouth. In some cultures, such as Japan, there is a strong emphasis on the importance of verbal communication, especially in business and social settings.

Synonyms in English

• Gossip
• Rumor
• Whisper
• Legend
• Myth

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish - "Parlar de boca a boca" (to speak from mouth to mouth)
• French - "Parler de bouche à bouche" (to talk from mouth to mouth)
• German - "Mund zu Mund" (from mouth to mouth)
• Italian - "Palmo a palmo" (hand to hand)
• Japanese - "口語" (kuchikyo, or spoken language)

Similar Idioms

• earworm

• walk out on

• fingers crossed