Motormouths is a plural noun that refers to people who talk excessively and often impulsively. The spelling of the word is based on the two roots: motor and mouth. The primary stress falls on the first syllable, 'mo', which is pronounced with the low front vowel /ɒ/ and the consonant cluster /m/, before transitioning to the second syllable, 'tor', with the semi-vowel /əʊ/ and the liquid /r/. The final syllable, 'mouths', is pronounced with the fricative /θ/ and the diphthong /aʊ/, resulting in the IPA transcription /ˈməʊ.tə.maʊðz/.
Motormouths are individuals who have a tendency to talk excessively and rapidly. The term "motormouth" is derived from the idea that these individuals seem to have a mouth that functions at a high speed, much like the engine of a motor.
Motormouths are known for their incessant chatter, often expressing their thoughts and ideas without pause or consideration for others. They tend to dominate conversations, often interrupting others to interject their own opinions or stories. Their rapid speech and lack of filter can sometimes lead to a lack of clarity or coherence in their communication.
Motormouths may have a natural inclination towards verbosity and enjoy the attention and validation that comes from being the center of conversation. Their continuous talking may be a result of their need for external validation or a desire to maintain control over a conversation.
The term "motormouth" is often used in a colloquial or informal sense to describe individuals who speak quickly and excessively without taking the time to listen or engage in balanced discourse. It carries a connotation of being annoying or overwhelming to others who may find it difficult to get a word in edgewise or maintain a balanced dialogue.
The term "motormouths" is a compound word that combines the word "motor" and "mouths".
The word "motor" can be traced back to the late 19th century, derived from the Latin word "motor" which means "mover" or "driver". "Motor" originally referred to an engine or a machine that converts energy into motion.
The word "mouth" comes from the Old English word "mūþ" which referred to the opening through which food and drink enter the body and sounds are produced.
Combining the two words, "motormouth" is an idiom or slang term used to describe a person who talks excessively or rapidly. It implies a person whose mouth continually moves, figuratively likening their speech to the continuous movement of a motor. The plural form, "motormouths", naturally stems from this primary meaning.