The phrase "running off mouth" is a slang term used to describe someone who talks excessively or indiscreetly. Its spelling can be broken down phonetically as /ˈrʌnɪŋ ɒf maʊθ/. The /r/ sound is followed by a short /ʌ/ vowel, then the /n/ sound. The stressed syllable is in the middle of the word, with a short /ɪ/ vowel followed by the nasal consonant /ŋ/. The final part of the phrase begins with the open-mid back rounded vowel /ɒ/ and ends with the fricative consonant /θ/.
Running off at the mouth is an informal idiomatic expression that refers to someone who talks excessively or without restraint, often with little thought or consideration for their words. It is commonly used to describe individuals who engage in long-winded or verbose conversations, stringing together a continuous stream of words without any meaningful purpose.
The phrase "running off at the mouth" originates from the imagery of saliva falling from someone's mouth as they talk excessively or without interruption. It carries a negative connotation as it implies that the person in question may speak impulsively and lack self-awareness or consideration of the impact their words might have on others. Furthermore, running off at the mouth often entails the expression of opinions, stories, or information that might be irrelevant, unimportant, or simply untrue.
This expression is frequently employed to criticize or dismiss individuals who talk incessantly, particularly when their words lack substance or relevance. Additionally, it may denote a lack of self-control or an inability to listen attentively to others in a conversation. The phrase can be applied in various contexts, including social interactions, debates, or everyday conversations, where someone continuously dominates the discussion without contributing anything valuable.