減(へ)らず口(ぐち)

へらずぐち
noun
backtalk; impudence; smart mouth
1. backtalk; impudence; talking back
Cheeky or impudent responses, especially from someone who should show more respect. The word implies the person always has a retort no matter the situation.
減(へ)らず口(ぐち)をたたくな。
Don't talk back.
あの子(こ)は減(へ)らず口(ぐち)ばかりだ。
That kid is always talking back.
負(ま)けたくせに減(へ)らず口(ぐち)を言(い)っている。
Even though he lost, he's still making smart remarks.

WORD FORMATION:
減(へ)らず (doesn't decrease, from 減(へ)る + ず negative) + 口(くち→ぐち) (mouth/speech)
Literally: "mouth that doesn't diminish" - implying the person always has something cheeky to say.

USAGE:
減(へ)らず口(ぐち) is typically used critically, often by parents or authority figures about children or subordinates who talk back.

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 減(へ)らず口(ぐち)をたたく - to talk back, to be impudent
  • 減(へ)らず口(ぐち)を言(い)う - to make smart remarks
  • 減(へ)らず口(ぐち)ばかり - nothing but backtalk

RELATED 口(くち) WORDS:

  • 憎(にく)まれ口(ぐち) - sarcasm, harsh words
  • 悪口(わるぐち) - slander, bad-mouthing
  • 小言(こごと) - scolding, nagging

REGISTER:
Casual. Often used by parents to children.

general
Added 2026.1.19 16:22 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17
07000/07396_herazuguchi