vicious mouth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vicious mouth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who speaks harshly, cruelly, or with malice, often in a figurative sense. Example: "Her vicious mouth cut through the room, leaving everyone in stunned silence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's got dog legs, a more pointed nose, and a more vicious mouth".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Kidman is charming as an aging, none-too-bright beauty who thinks that she likes — and needs — tough guys, and Cusack is scary as the convict, who turns out to be a foul slob with a vicious little mouth and pig eyes, but the performances are wasted.

The New Yorker

What horrifies me is that so many of "the people" seem to be allowing the McCain campaign to spew such vicious rhetoric through the mouth of Sarah Palin.

The New York Times

She was a bunched slip of a thing with a mouth that got vicious real fast.

The New Yorker

Despite being the victim of a vicious shoulder charge to the mouth from Giorgio Chiellini, the internet has decided that Luis Suárez sank his teeth into the Italy defender during their teams' meeting in Natal.

The Guardian - Sport

Their silvery eyes stared out at us from their massive heads, mouths hanging open in vicious smiles, purple tongues resting on rows of pointy teeth.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The creatures, which first emerged during the rapid evolutionary 'Cambrian explosion' period roughly half a billion years ago, were vicious predators able to turn their mouths inside-out and use their teeth to drag themselves forward.

Independent

It's often heartbreaking, deals with tough issues like suicide, and yes, contains a few lines of vicious language spewing out of the mouths of pre-teens.

Huffington Post

However, this results in a variable consumer experience and may cause negative word of mouth to go "viral" – a vicious cycle.

TechCrunch

This in turn promotes mouth breathing, setting up a vicious circle.

Critical Care

Once, after losing a lens in a vicious wipeout, he felt something odd in his mouth and spat out the missing lens.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vicious mouth", consider the context. It can describe both verbal cruelty and a physically menacing appearance. Choose the usage that best fits your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "vicious mouth" when you simply mean someone is speaking frankly or assertively. The phrase implies a deliberate intent to harm or a frightening appearance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vicious mouth" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "vicious" modifies the noun "mouth". It describes a specific quality or characteristic associated with a mouth, implying cruelty or aggression. Ludwig AI confirms its use in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vicious mouth" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon expression used to describe a cruel or menacing attribute, either in speech or physical appearance. Ludwig AI validates its use in written English. While its register is mostly neutral, usage leans towards News & Media, with alternative phrases like "savage tongue" or "venomous language" offering nuanced variations. When employing this phrase, ensure the context aligns with the intent to convey cruelty or menace, avoiding its use in situations that merely require a description of frankness or assertiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

savage tongue

Focuses on the cruelty and cutting nature of someone's speech.

acidic words

Highlights the corrosive and damaging effect of someone's speech.

bitter speech

Emphasizes the resentment and negativity behind the words spoken.

venomous language

Draws attention to the poisonous and harmful nature of the language used.

spiteful remarks

Focuses on the intention to harm or offend through speech.

caustic wit

Emphasizes a sharp and biting form of humor that can be hurtful.

cutting tone

Highlights the sharp and hurtful way of speaking.

sharp-tongued

Describes someone who is quick to make critical or sarcastic remarks.

cruel words

Emphasizes the hurtful and unkind nature of the words spoken.

malicious speech

Highlights the intent to cause harm through spoken words.

FAQs

How can I use "vicious mouth" in a sentence?

You can use "vicious mouth" to describe someone who speaks cruelly or to describe a frightening physical feature. For example, "The villain's vicious mouth spewed insults at the hero" or "The creature had a vicious mouth filled with razor-sharp teeth".

What does it mean to have a "vicious mouth"?

To have a "vicious mouth" typically means someone has a cruel and cutting way of speaking or possesses a menacing physical appearance around their mouth. It suggests a tendency towards harsh words or a frightening demeanor.

Are there synonyms for "vicious mouth" that emphasize different aspects of cruelty?

Yes, you can use synonyms like "savage tongue" to focus on cutting speech, or "venomous language" to emphasize the harmful nature of the words.

Is "vicious mouth" an appropriate term to use in formal writing?

While "vicious mouth" is grammatically correct, consider your audience. In formal writing, it's crucial to assess whether the term is appropriate for the particular context. If the goal is to objectively analyze a phenomenon then it's better to use a more neutral term.