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Definition of badmouth

badmouth

/ˈbæd.maʊð/
bad · mouth
Past Simple:badmouthed
•
Past Participle:badmouthed
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Present Participle:badmouthing
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badmouth Lexical Profile

badmouth Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To criticize or speak ill of someone or something, especially in an unfair, malicious, or behind-the-back manner (informal).

Example

"Professional candidates should never badmouth their former employers during a job interview."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

badly
badman
badminton
badmouth
badness
bae
bael

Word Origin & Etymology

Originated in 19th-century African American Vernacular English, believed to be a calque (loan translation) of expressions in West African languages such as Mandinka and Hausa meaning 'to curse' or 'to speak ill of'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Badmouth. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/badmouth
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