poor-mouth

1 of 2

verb

ˈpu̇r-ˌmau̇t͟h 

ˈpȯr-,

-ˌmau̇th

poor-mouthed; poor-mouthing; poor-mouths

intransitive verb

: to plead poverty as a defense or excuse

transitive verb

: to speak disparagingly of

poor mouth

2 of 2

noun

: an exaggerated claim of poverty

Synonyms

Verb

• dismiss
• minimize
• diminish
• talk down
• run down
• criticize

Examples of poor-mouth in a Sentence

Verb

regardless of whatever is nominated, there'll be those who will poor-mouth the Oscar nominees

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1930, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Noun

1764, in the meaning defined above