plain-spoken

[pleyn-spoh-kuhn]

adjective

1. candid; frank; blunt.

2. using simple, direct language.

   a plain-spoken politician.

plain-spoken

adjective

1. candid; frank; blunt

Word History and Origins

Origin of plain-spoken¹

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

The gardener, a young, plain-spoken fellow, gestured toward his wheelbarrow.

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Plenty of people relate to Tommy, a plain-spoken executive with a working man’s hands and a defeated father’s liver, chain-smoking his way around Midland, Texas.

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In 2008, John McCain's running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, who entranced the GOP elites with her good looks and her plain-spoken, rural folksiness, seemed to be their dream come true.

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But you’ve earned an opportunity,’” said Banister, who at 61 has the tan, chiseled good looks and plain-spoken manner of a Western movie sheriff.

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The right-wing, plain-spoken politician admitted he was initially delighted Donald Trump won re-election and viewed him as an ally.

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Related Words

• brusque 
• candid 
• curt 
• explicit 
• forthright 
• matter-of-fact 
• outspoken 
• rude 
• trenchant