What does it mean by keep mum?
to not tell anyone
Definition of keep/stay mum
informal. : to not tell anyone (about something) She told him to keep/stay mum about the project.
Where does keep mum come from?
“Keeping mum” may be a reference to the wax used to prepare Egyptian mummies for burial. “Mum” appears to be a word of imitative origins, referencing the “mmmmmm” sound that people make when their mouths are closed and they try to talk, or when someone tries to talk with a hand clamped over his or her mouth.
What is the similar meaning of phrase to keep mum?
verb. refuse to talk or stop talking; fall silent. synonyms: be quiet, belt up, button up, clam up, close up, dummy up, shut up.
What does mum mean in slang?
When used to mean “madam,” mum is a variation of ma’am, which is a shortening of madam. Mum can also be used as a verb meaning to “act as a mummer,” a kind of costumed performer.
What does be like dad keep mum mean?
Keep-mum definition
Filters. (idiomatic) To not talk; especially keep silent about something that may be sensitive or secret. “Be like dad, keep mum” (British wartime poster)
What does the phrase keep mum means * to speak loudly to be silent to ignore?
phrase. If you keep mum or stay mum about something, you do not tell anyone about it. [informal]
Why do English say mum?
What you are hearing is not mum as in mother, but ma’am, contraction of madam, with a strongly reduced vowel. In British English, it is mostly used as a sign of repect for a woman of superior rank, say, in the military or police.
Why do British people call people mum?
What does mum mean in UK?
One word in particular that stands out in English dialects is the word we use for our mothers. The British typically use ‘mum’, and the Americans, ‘mom’.
What does the slang by hokey mean?
hokey. / (ˈhəʊkɪ) / adjective slang, mainly US and Canadian. corny; sentimental. contrived; phoney.
What does that’s torn it mean?
something is no longer possible
Definition of that’s torn it
British, informal. —used to say that something is no longer possible That’s torn it: the deal’s off!
Do any Americans say mum?
What do Brits call their dad?
5 Ways To Say “Mother” and “Father” in British English – YouTube
What do Americans call their mother?
mom
Since Mother’s Day was proclaimed an American holiday 100 years ago, we’ve called our maternal parent by many names: mother, momma, mama, ma, mumsy, and so on. Today, however, “mom” reigns supreme, far and away the most popular American word to call the women who brought us into the world.
Do Americans say mum?
Why do British say innit?
British English Slang “Innit” (British in a minute) BR001 – YouTube
What is a better word for cheesy?
In this page you can discover 34 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for cheesy, like: cliched, crummy, cheesey, cheezy, paltry, corny, schmaltzy, poor, naff, campy and saccharine.
What is to play hooky?
(Entry 1 of 2) play hooky or less commonly play hookey. US, informal. : to be away from school without permission Out on the playground, a boy from another homeroom cavorted around on a dirt bike, doing wheelies. He was playing hooky, but evidently couldn’t stay away.—
What does GIB Torning mean?
What does gib mean? Gib, short for giblets, is gaming slang for violently killing a foe in a way that blows them up or otherwise scatters their body parts.
What does in the clink mean?
prison
slang. : a jail or prison I spent a night in the clink.
Why do British agents say mum?
5 Answers. Show activity on this post. What you are hearing is not mum as in mother, but ma’am, contraction of madam, with a strongly reduced vowel. In British English, it is mostly used as a sign of repect for a woman of superior rank, say, in the military or police.
What do Scottish people call their dad?
Family words in Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)
| Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) | |
|---|---|
| family | teaghlach (family/household) muinntir (family/relatives) clann (children) |
| parents | pàrantan |
| father | athair / dadaidh |
| mother | màthair / mamaidh |
What do Russians call their dad?
papa
The word “father” in Russian also has two translations. Usually, it’s папа (papa), and in formal situations it’s отец (otets). Also, you might come across the translation батя (batya). This word is usually used by guys to talk about their fathers.
What do British people call their mom?
mum
The British typically use ‘mum’, and the Americans, ‘mom’. But why is there such a difference in spelling and pronunciation when both nations speak the same language?
What do Canadians call their mom?
In Canada we have “mums” (or at least we used to have them.) Americans have “moms.”