poor-mouth

1 of 2

verb

ˈpu̇r-ˌmau̇t͟h How to pronounce poor-mouth (audio)
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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of poor-mouth was in 1764

Dictionary Entries Near poor-mouth

poormaster

poor-mouth

poor mouth

Cite this Entry

“Poor-mouth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poor-mouth. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

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