word of mouth

🌎Region: International 📊Difficulty Level:intermediate

💡Meaning

Information spread informally from person to person, rather than through ads or official announcements.

🕰️Origin

The phrase comes from the literal idea of words passing “mouth to mouth,” i.e., spoken communication transmitted directly between people; it has long been used to contrast informal talk with printed or official sources.

📝Notes

Often used about reputation or customer acquisition, especially for businesses. Typically neutral, but context can imply positive buzz or negative rumors.

💬Examples

I heard about the little cafe through word of mouth.
Their app grew through word of mouth, not ads.
I chose the doctor based on good word of mouth from friends.
We rely on word of mouth for most of our business.
The best way to promote this event is through word of mouth.

📘Grammar & Usage Notes

Usually a noun phrase: “by/through word of mouth,” “(the) power of word of mouth,” “word-of-mouth advertising/marketing” (hyphenated as an adjective). Rarely used as a verb.

🔗Synonyms

personal recommendation
buzz
informal communication
grapevine

↔️Antonyms

official announcement
paid advertising
public statement