got a mouth on him/her
Talks too much, talks back, or talks rough.
Also called got a mouth on him, got a mouth on her, has a mouth on him.
Updated September 21, 2026
got a mouth on him/her pronunciation
/got uh MOUTH on him (or her)/
Meaning
A scolding note that somebody's speech is out of line. Could mean sass to a parent, cussing in the wrong room, or a gossip who cannot keep quiet. Swap him or her to match who you are fussing about. Tone is usually half complaint, half "well, that's that kid for you."
How folks use it
- “That boy has got a mouth on him. Don't smart off to your mama.”
- “She's got a mouth on her. Word gets around the whole hollow by supper.”
Origin and etymology
Plain English mouth for talk, sharpened into a rural Southern and Appalachian scolding formula. Related to wider American "mouthy" and "you've got a mouth on you." Parents and old-timers kept the him/her pattern as everyday porch judgment.
Frequently asked questions
Does it only mean cussing?
No. Sass, gossip, and nonstop talking all count. Context tells you which.