loose-lipped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "loose-lipped" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who tends to reveal secrets or speak indiscreetly. Example: "After the meeting, I realized that my colleague was quite loose-lipped about the company's confidential plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Perhaps she was well-intentioned but loose-lipped?

The Guardian - Opinion

Morgan, even then the loose-lipped Gabby, said that he wanted to disclose something "very important".

The New Yorker

Beyoncé is most likely to bring on these loose-lipped episodes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That's why we have loose-lipped friends whose taboos don't overlap with ours.

The Guardian - Books

"What brought you here, then?" China smiled, loose-lipped, slack-jawed.

The New Yorker

In the aftermath, loose-lipped mercenaries claimed that they had played a part in the operation.

The Guardian

One of several loose-lipped attendees reported that Romney had extended "sort of an olive branch to conservative media".

The New York Times

And of course 50 Cent is loose-lipped (though who knew he was as grammar-challenged as he is?).

The New York Times - Arts

His face is that of a fat but anemic baby — round, flabby-cheeked, pasty-complected, loose-lipped.

The New Yorker

The loose-lipped American general, Stanley McChrystal, put it memorably, "Oh, not another e-mail from Holbrooke.

The Economist

True, loose-lipped staffers tell the authors how, as the Gaza crisis unfolded, Mrs Clinton told colleagues: "We've gotta support Israel one hundred and ten per cent here".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "loose-lipped" when you want to emphasize that someone's indiscretion is due to a lack of control or awareness, rather than malicious intent.

Common error

Avoid using "loose-lipped" when you mean someone has physically large or slack lips. The phrase refers specifically to indiscretion in speech.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loose-lipped" functions as an adjective, typically used to describe a person. It modifies a noun to indicate a tendency to reveal secrets or speak indiscreetly. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a common and acceptable usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "loose-lipped" is a common and grammatically correct adjective used to describe someone who tends to reveal secrets or speak indiscreetly. According to Ludwig AI, the usage is acceptable and frequently encountered, particularly in News & Media contexts. While synonyms like "blabbermouth" or "indiscreet" exist, "loose-lipped" specifically suggests a lack of control or awareness in divulging information. Remember to use it appropriately to describe indiscretion in speech rather than physical attributes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blabbermouth

Informal term for someone who reveals secrets carelessly.

big-mouthed

Similar to blabbermouth, suggesting a tendency to speak indiscreetly.

indiscreet

Describes a lack of discretion or tact in speech.

unable to keep a secret

Directly describes the inability to maintain confidentiality.

telltale

Someone who reveals secrets or informs on others.

talkative

General term for someone who talks a lot, but not necessarily about secrets.

garrulous

Implies excessive talkativeness, often about trivial matters.

leaky

Suggests that information 'leaks' out through the person.

unreserved

Describes someone who speaks freely without holding back.

chatty

Implies a friendly, but perhaps overly talkative, nature.

FAQs

How can I use "loose-lipped" in a sentence?

You can use "loose-lipped" to describe someone who is prone to revealing secrets or speaking indiscreetly. For example, "He was known for being "loose-lipped", so we avoided sharing confidential information with him."

What's the difference between "loose-lipped" and "discreet"?

"Loose-lipped" describes someone who is indiscreet and likely to reveal secrets, while "discreet" describes someone who is careful and avoids causing embarrassment or revealing sensitive information.

What are some synonyms for "loose-lipped"?

Synonyms for "loose-lipped" include "blabbermouth", "big-mouthed", and "indiscreet". These words all describe someone who tends to reveal secrets or confidential information.

When is it appropriate to use the term "loose-lipped"?

It is appropriate to use "loose-lipped" when you want to describe someone who is careless or unintentional about revealing secrets. It often carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting a lack of judgment or discretion.