Exercise

1. Who first used the expression mum's the word?

2. What does it mean if you say mum's the word? 

a) my mother is talking

b) I can keep a secret

c) I can't keep a secret 

3. What does mum actually mean in this expression  

Answers

1. Shakespeare

2. b) I can keep a secret

3. It's a humming sound mmmm

Read

You’re listening to British Council’s English Online and I’m Nina. Today on Language Snacks we take a look at the expression mum’s the word. Let’s listen to the dialogue.

A: Can you keep a secret?

B: What?

A: We’re going to throw a surprise party for Gary at the weekend. Can you make it?

B: Sure. Mum’s the word.

Well, this is a bit of Shakespearian English. If you promise to keep quiet about something you say mum’s the word. The word mum is not actually mother but the humming sound made with the closed mouth mmmmmm.

This appeared in Shakespeare in Henry VI, Part 2:

Seal up your lips and give no words but mum.

And that’s it for now – join us again for some more Language Snacks. You’ve been listening to English Online – the podcast for English learners in China.