Cool MateGossip vs Have like a big mouth
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Gossip
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Have like a big mouth
InformalTop 5,000 (fairly common)
Most common: Gossip
| Gossip | Have like a big mouth | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈɡɒs.ɪp//🇺🇸 //ˈɡɑː.sɪp// | 🇬🇧 //hæv laɪk ə bɪg maʊθ//🇺🇸 //hæv laɪk ə bɪg maʊθ// |
| Meaning | Talking about someone else's private life or rumors. | To talk too much or gossip. |
| Example | They love to gossip about their neighbors' love life. | I shouldn't have told Tom; he has like a big mouth! |
| Register | Informal | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| Collocations | spread gossip, engage in gossip, latest gossip, gossip column, gossip mill | talk too much, spill secrets, gossip about others, reveal information, share details |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'gossiping' as in 'He was gossiping with her'., 'Gossip' often refers to both the act and the information discussed. | Incorrectly using 'have' with 'had' or 'has'., Using it in a formal context., Confusing with 'have a big mouth' which means to speak loudly. |
| Usage notes | Use 'gossip' in informal contexts, often among friends or family. Avoid in formal settings, like meetings or presentations. | Used in casual contexts to describe someone who can't keep secrets. Not appropriate in formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: Gossip vs Have like a big mouth
What's the difference between Gossip and Have like a big mouth?
Gossip: Talking about someone else's private life or rumors. Have like a big mouth: To talk too much or gossip.
Which is more common: Gossip and Have like a big mouth?
Gossip is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Gossip: They love to gossip about their neighbors' love life. Have like a big mouth: I shouldn't have told Tom; he has like a big mouth!
Can I use Gossip and Have like a big mouth interchangeably?
Not always. Gossip and Have like a big mouth are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.