Flannelmouths

/ˈflænəlmaʊðz/ noun

Definition

Plural of flannelmouth; multiple people who speak evasively or unclearly.

Etymology

Simple plural formation of flannelmouth by adding -s to the singular form.

Kelly Says

Occupational or character insults like 'flannelmouths' often emerge from trades—flannel workers were real people, and their association with soft cloth eventually became a joke about soft, unclear speech.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Plural form carries the same gendered dismissal as the singular; historically weaponized language for silencing contributions to public discourse.

Inclusive Usage

Limit to ichthyological contexts; avoid applying to groups of people or their communication styles.

Inclusive Alternatives

["speakers","communicators"]

Related Words

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