- To unintentionally say something foolish, tactless, embarrassing, or inappropriate that causes awkwardness or distress for oneself or others. A social blunder in speech.
Explanation
Origin
- The image is absurd and comical – physically putting one's foot into one's mouth is impossible.
- It vividly represents saying something so wrong or out of place that it's like tripping over your own words.
- Emerged in the early 20th century.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Opened my big mouth
- Said something stupid
- Totally blew it (Can be more general than just speech)
- Screwed up (General mistake)
- Dropped a clanger (UK/Aus the mistake itself is a 'clanger')
- Facepalm moment (The reaction to such a mistake)
More Formal:
- Made a faux pas
- Committed an indiscretion / Was indiscreet
- Spoke out of turn
- Made a tactless remark
- Misspoke
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to neutral.
- Widely understood way to describe a social error in speech.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Highly metaphorical. The literal meaning is impossible. Ensure learners grasp it refers *specifically* to saying something embarrassing or tactless.
Examples
- I really put my foot in my mouth when I asked about her job, forgetting she'd just been laid off.
- He completely put his foot in his mouth by congratulating them on their 'engagement' when they had actually broken up.
- Try to think before you speak at the dinner party so you don't put your foot in your mouth.
Dialogue
Alex: How was meeting Sarah's parents?
Ben: Mostly good, until I complimented her mom's cooking... turns out Sarah had cooked the entire meal.
Alex: Oh dear. You really put your foot in your mouth there.
Ben: Tell me about it. It was so embarrassing! I apologized profusely.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Just accidentally revealed a spoiler for the movie my friends haven't seen yet. Majorly put my foot in my mouth. 🤦♂️ #spoiler #awkward
- Facebook Status: Classic me: putting my foot in my mouth at the work party. Note to self: avoid gossip.
- Blog Post: My Most Cringeworthy Foot-in-Mouth Moments (and How I Recovered)
Response Patterns
- (If someone confesses): Oh no! What did you say? / Ouch! That's awkward. / Don't worry, it happens to the best of us. / How did the other person react?
- (Self-realization): Oops, I think I just put my foot in my mouth. (Often accompanied by a wince or embarrassed expression).
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- Asking for the specifics of the embarrassing remark.
- Discussing the awkward aftermath and reactions.
- Sharing similar embarrassing verbal slip-ups (commiseration).
- Considering if an apology or clarification is needed.
Conversation Starter
- No. Describes a specific verbal mistake usually recounted after it happened.
Intonation
- Stress typically on PUT, FOOT, and MOUTH.
- I really PUT my FOOT in my MOUTH.
Generation Differences
- Commonly understood and used across generations.
Regional Variations
- Widely used in all major English-speaking regions.
- Drop a clanger is a common informal alternative in the UK and Australia.