Pronunciation: [mˈʌm] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "mum" is interesting because it can also be spelled "mom" in some English-speaking countries. In British English, "mum" is commonly used as a term of endearment for one's mother, while "mom" is more often used in American English. The IPA phonetic transcription for "mum" is /mʌm/, with the stress on the first syllable. The "u" in "mum" is pronounced like the "u" in "but" or "luck."
Mum, also spelled as mom or mommy, is a noun primarily used in British English to refer to one's mother. It is an affectionate and familiar term used by children or adults that implies respect and endearment towards their female parent. Derived from the word "mamma" or "mama," mum holds a similar connotation, representing a strong bond and nurturing relationship between a child and their mother.
The word can also be used as an adjective, describing someone who remains quiet or silent, often intentionally withholding information or avoiding speaking openly about a specific topic. In this context, it is synonymous with terms like silent, quiet, taciturn, hushed, or uncommunicative. For instance, if someone says they are "keeping mum" about a secret, it means they are choosing not to disclose or reveal certain information.
As a verb, "to mum" means to silence or quieten, often used in contexts such as "mum's the word," indicating the need for secrecy or confidentiality. This phrase suggests that one should keep quiet and not disclose certain information to others.
Overall, "mum" primarily refers to a person's mother in British English, while it can also be used to describe someone who is quiet or secretive. The term encapsulates the loving bond between a child and their mother, as well as the idea of confidentiality and restraint in communication.
• of China
• Silent.
• Silent; not speaking: int. be silent or secret.
• Ale or beer brewed from wheaten malt.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word mum originated from the Middle English word mumme, which was used to describe silence or being silent. It is thought to be derived from the sound made when a person tries to speak while keeping their lips closed, producing a murmuring or mumbling sound. Over time, this led to mumme being used as a verb and noun to refer to keeping quiet or silence. Eventually, it evolved into the word mum and is commonly used today to indicate silence or secrecy, such as the phrase keep it mum.
