mum
Translation
silent, quiet
Examples
He kept mum about his plans.
He kept mum about his plans.
Mum's the word.
Mum's the word.
Grammar Patterns
to keep mum ((about sth.)) to remain silent about (sth.) He kept mum about his plans.
Mum's the word. (idiom) Keep this a secret. Mum's the word.
Similar Words
Synonyms: silent, quiet, tight-lipped, taciturn; Antonyms: talkative, chatty, loquacious
Etymology
Likely from the 'mmm' sound made with closed lips, suggesting an inability or unwillingness to speak.
Memory Tips
The word 'mum' sounds like the sound you make when your mouth is closed. That's why it means to be silent.