forked tongue

USAGE SUMMARY

"forked tongue" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who speaks in a deceitful or insincere manner, similar to a snake with a forked tongue. Here is an example of how it could be used in a sentence: "He was known for his forked tongue, always twisting the truth to serve his own interests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

And, by the way, having a Scottish snake with a forked tongue called Mac the Fork is a brilliant joke.

Independent

He speaks with a forked tongue where you see both forks at the same time," he said following the clip.

Huffington Post

You spoke with forked tongue.

The New York Times

"He speaks with forked tongue on this".

The Guardian

That is speaking with forked tongue.

The New York Times

:-w Our current leader speaks with forked tongue.

The New Yorker

:-w   Our current leader speaks with forked tongue.

The New Yorker

"I'm talking with a forked tongue," he said.

The New York Times

The forked tongue and the scales are just a coincidence.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

And she issued forked-tongue comments about her fellow cast members.

The New York Times

Playing a bewigged, forked-tongue charmer drooling gossip inside this viper's nest, he drops nuggets like his signature line, "I'm not naïve, I'm superficial," in the languid, insinuating tone of a Southern courtier.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When attributing the quality of "forked tongue", clarify who perceives the duplicity. For example, "Critics accused the politician of speaking with a forked tongue."

Common error

Avoid using "forked tongue" literally. It's a figurative expression, so using it to describe an actual forked tongue (like that of a snake) might confuse your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "forked tongue" functions as a noun phrase, often used metaphorically to describe someone's deceitful or insincere manner of speaking. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English. It's typically employed to add a vivid, figurative element to writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

18%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "forked tongue" is a common and effective way to describe deceitful or insincere speech. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a grammatically correct noun phrase, functioning primarily to criticize or negatively characterize someone's communication. While versatile enough for neutral contexts, it leans towards informality, finding frequent use in news and media. When aiming to vividly portray someone's duplicity, "forked tongue" offers a potent, figurative expression. However, make sure to avoid literal interpretations. For more formal writing, consider alternatives like "deceitful language".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

duplicitous speech

Emphasizes the act of speaking with double standards or intentions.

two-faced discourse

Focuses on the inconsistent nature and lack of sincerity.

deceitful language

Focuses on the deceitful nature of the language used.

deceptive rhetoric

Focuses on the misleading use of language.

hypocritical statements

Focuses on the contradiction between what is said and what is done.

insincere words

Highlights the lack of sincerity in the communication.

lying words

Directly indicates the presence of falsehoods in the speech.

double-dealing talk

Implies a form of betrayal or hidden agenda in the conversation.

untrustworthy communication

Emphasizes the lack of reliability in the conveyed message.

false promises

Highlights the deceptive nature of promises made.

FAQs

How can I use "forked tongue" in a sentence?

You can use "forked tongue" to describe someone who is being deceitful or insincere, for example: "The negotiator spoke with a "forked tongue", promising one thing while planning another."

What is meant when someone is said to speak with a "forked tongue"?

Speaking with a "forked tongue" means that someone is being deliberately deceptive or saying one thing while meaning another. It implies a lack of trustworthiness.

Are there alternative expressions for "forked tongue" that I can use?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "deceitful language" or "duplicitous speech" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "forked tongue" in formal writing?

While "forked tongue" is widely understood, it's often more suitable for informal or journalistic writing. For formal contexts, consider using more neutral terms like "insincere words" or "hypocritical statements".