flannelmouth

[ flan-l-mouth ]

/ ˈflæn lˌmaʊθ /

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a person whose speech is thick, slow, or halting.

a person whose speech is smoothly deceptive.

QUIZZES

Were you ready for a quiz on this topic? Well, here it is! See how well you can differentiate between the uses of "was" vs. "were" in this quiz.

Question 1 of 7

“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85; flannel + mouth

And of course, Rod, being Rod, goes for it a hundred percent; his mouth drops open and he says, ‘What?’
The Story Behind Lee Marvin’s Liberty Valance Smile|Robert Ward|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST
But news of the classes is spread mainly by word of mouth, and participants bring along their friends and families.
Iran’s Becoming a Footloose Nation as Dance Lessons Spread|IranWire|January 2, 2015|DAILY BEAST
She has had clients from all over the world, including Ireland and India, who are drawn to her via word of mouth and her website.
Inside A Finishing School for Transwomen|Sharon Adarlo|December 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The “new civility” promoted by Antoine Courtin expected the mouth to be kept shut when smiling.
The French Court’s Royal Ban on Smiles|William O’Connor|December 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST

During one session, detainee Abu Zubaydah became “completely unresponsive with bubbles rising through his open full mouth.”
The Most Gruesome Moments in the CIA ‘Torture Report’|Shane Harris, Tim Mak|December 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Behold a dumpy, comfortable British paterfamilias in a light flannel suit and a faded sun hat.
God and my Neighbour|Robert Blatchford
Aristide washed and powdered Jean himself, the landlord lounging by, pipe in mouth, administering suggestions.
The Joyous Adventures of Aristide Pujol|William J. Locke
Sol got up, slowly; took a backward step into the yard; filled his lungs, opened his mouth, made his eyes round.
The Bondboy|George W. (George Washington) Ogden
But such a thing had, nevertheless, come quite glibly out of her mouth, and she knew not why.
Hilda Lessways|Arnold Bennett
Miss Smith immediately rises from the table, puts up her dear little mouth to her papa to be kissed.
Physiology of The Opera|John H. Swaby (AKA "Scrici")