Closemouthed

/ˈkloʊsˌmaʊðd/ adjective

Definition

Not talking much; reluctant to share information or secrets; secretive or taciturn.

Etymology

Compound: 'close' (not open) + 'mouthed' (having a mouth); literary image of someone keeping their mouth closed and therefore not revealing what they know.

Kelly Says

This compound perfectly shows how English makes new adjectives by combining physical descriptions—'close-mouthed' lets us visualize secrecy as literal physical constraint.

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