Mum’s the word
2018.10.24
Meaning:
‘Mum’ (UK English) or ‘Mom’ (US English) is a casual way to say ‘mother’. But it can also sometimes mean ‘silent’. The expression ‘Mum’s the word’ has nothing to do with mothers; it means ‘I’ll keep that secret’. We use it as a promise after someone tells us a secret. You can remember this expression by thinking of the word ‘mmm’. When you say ‘mmm’ you must keep your mouth closed. So in English ‘mmm’ became the word ‘mime’, which means ‘act without words’. It also became the word ‘mum’, which can mean ‘silent’. So ‘Mum’s the word’ actually means ‘Silence is all I will say’.
Example:
A: Guess what! I’m pregnant!
B: Congratulations! That’s wonderful.
A: Thanks. But please don’t tell anyone yet. I’m not ready.
B: Mum’s the word. I won’t say a thing.
Talking Point(s):
Can you think of an expression in Japanese that means
‘Mum’s the word’?
大人からの英会話getgo 西船橋・荻窪・津田沼・本八幡