What means keep mum?

Definition of keep/stay mum

informal. : to not tell anyone (about something) She told him to keep/stay mum about the project.

Where does keep mum come from?

"Keeping mum" may be a reference to the wax used to prepare Egyptian mummies for burial. “Mum” appears to be a word of imitative origins, referencing the “mmmmmm” sound that people make when their mouths are closed and they try to talk, or when someone tries to talk with a hand clamped over his or her mouth.

What is the similar meaning of phrase to keep mum?

verb. refuse to talk or stop talking; fall silent. synonyms: be quiet, belt up, button up, clam up, close up, dummy up, shut up.

What does mum mean in slang?

When used to mean “madam,” mum is a variation of ma'am, which is a shortening of madam. Mum can also be used as a verb meaning to “act as a mummer,” a kind of costumed performer.

What does be like dad keep mum mean?

Keep-mum definition

(idiomatic) To not talk; especially keep silent about something that may be sensitive or secret. "Be like dad, keep mum" (British wartime poster)

Keep mum Meaning

What are 5 synonyms for happy?

What means keep off?

1 : to stop or prevent (someone or something) from being on (something) Keep off the grass.

Why do we say mum?

Mum's the word is a popular English idiom. It is related to an expression used by William Shakespeare, in Henry VI, Part 2. The word "mum" is an alteration of momme, which was used between 1350 and 1400 in Middle English with very close to the same meaning, "be silent; do not reveal".

What type of word is mum?

(mʌm ) Word forms: plural mums. 1. countable noun. Your mum is your mother.

Why do they call mum?

The word “mom”, on the other hand, is a slightly different story and it's widely believed that the word was born from the much older word “mamma” which itself can be traced back to the 1500s in English. This, in turn, can be traced back to Latin where “mamma” meant “breast” or “teat”.

What does keep mum she's not so dumb mean?

This World War II poster urges British officers and other servicemen to"keep mum" (quiet), lest military secrets and other sensitive information fall into the hands of the enemy as a result of careless talk, in this case overheard by a beautiful female spy.

What is a kept man mean?

Definition of kept man

: a man who is kept as a lover by someone.

What does it mean make it up?

Definition of make it up

: to become friendly again after being angry She's trying to make it up with him.

What does yes mum mean?

Yes ma'am is a polite way of affirming something an older or superior woman has said, often used to show sass or excitement in response to something more generally. Related words: no ma'am.

Does mum mean silent?

Kids Definition of mum

: silent sense 4 Keep mum about the surprise party.

Is mum a real word?

Mum can be a noun or an adjective. As an adjective, mum is a synonym of silent, like in the phrase mum's the word. As a noun, mum has two meanings. A mum is a type of flower often grown for decorative purposes.

How do you use mum in a sentence?

My mum won't let me stay out late. My mum's always nagging me to get my hair cut. Catherine's mum gives her £5 a week pocket money.

What is a mum quote?

"We are born of love; Love is our mother." "When you look into your mother's eyes, you know that is the purest love you can find on this earth." "A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take." "Life doesn't come with a manual, it comes with a mother."

Why do British people say mum?

What you are hearing is not mum as in mother, but ma'am, contraction of madam, with a strongly reduced vowel. In British English, it is mostly used as a sign of repect for a woman of superior rank, say, in the military or police.

Who uses mum?

One word in particular that stands out in English dialects is the word we use for our mothers. The British typically use 'mum', and the Americans, 'mom'.

What does keep in mean?

Definition of keep in

1 : to not show or express (something, such as an emotion) You shouldn't keep your anger in all the time. 2 : to continue to provide (someone) with (something needed or wanted) It's very expensive keeping my children in clothes that fit.

How do you use keep on?

The rain kept on throughout the day. He talked and talked. At one point I thought he would keep on all night. She kept on talking after I told her to be quiet.

How do you use keep off in a sentence?

keep someone/something off something: Dogs must be kept off the beach. I'm trying to keep off fatty foods.

What's a better word for love?

1 tenderness, fondness, predilection, warmth, passion, adoration. 2 liking, inclination, regard, friendliness. 15 like. 16 adore, adulate, worship.

How can I stay happy?