減(へ)らず口(ぐち)

へらずぐち
noun
backtalk; impudence; smart mouth
informalcommunication
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.

Etymology

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 words

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Casual. Often used by parents to children.

Related Words

Related: 憎(にく)まれ口(ぐち) (sarcasm, harsh words)
Related: 悪口(わるぐち) (slander, bad-mouthing)
Related: 小言(こごと) (scolding, nagging)
general
Added 2026.1.19 16:22 · Revised 2026.10.11 21:20
07000/07396_herazuguchi