What does badmouth mean?
"Badmouth" is an informal English verb meaning to criticize, disparage, or speak ill of someone or something, typically behind their back and often unfairly. To badmouth a colleague, a rival, or even a former employer is to run them down verbally rather than confront issues directly, which is why the word carries a strong negative charge aimed at both the target and the speaker. It appears frequently in everyday conversation, workplace contexts, and popular journalism — people are urged not to badmouth ex-partners, and public figures are criticized when they badmouth opponents. Though informal in tone, it is fully established in standard usage on both sides of the Atlantic. The word's origin is somewhat murky: it is generally thought to have entered American English through translation of a German idiom meaning "to speak evil." Its memorability lies in its vivid literalism — treating the mouth itself as an instrument that can turn "bad."
To criticize or disparage someone or something, especially unfairly or behind their back.
"She never badmouthed her rivals, preferring to let her results speak for themselves."
(Chiefly US, informal) A person who habitually speaks ill of others.
"Nobody wanted to work with him because he was such a badmouth."
The noun sense is much less common than the verb and largely confined to American English.
Applies only to the rare noun sense; the plural is uncommon.
"The locker room was full of badmouths who tore down every new player."
It may have crossed the Atlantic via German immigrants — the word is thought to be modeled on a German expression for speaking ill of someone.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of badmouth
The verb "badmouth" emerged in American English in the twentieth century and is generally believed to be modeled on a German expression for speaking ill of someone, likely entering English through translated fiction or immigrant communities. It spread rapidly through mid-century popular culture, particularly crime fiction and journalism, before becoming a standard informal term throughout the English-speaking world. It has no classical root and no true cognates beyond its suspected German source.
Related word forms
How badmouth is actually used
Primarily informal register, though widely used in journalism. The connotation is negative toward the speaker as much as the target — badmouthing implies unfairness or disloyalty. Commonly used in the progressive ('is always badmouthing'). In American English it also exists as a rare noun.
Easily confused with badmouth
Badminton is a racket sport, while badmouth means to speak disparagingly about someone.