PhrasesHub

Word of mouth

    Definitions

      • communication
        Referring to information or news that is passed on through spoken conversation or informal exchanges

      • reputation
        Describing the way in which information or news about a person or thing spreads through people talking about it

      • advertising
        Referring to the power of personal recommendations and positive reviews in promoting a product or service

      • credibility
        Highlighting the trustworthiness and reliability of information that is passed on through word of mouth rather than through formal sources

    Examples of Word of mouth

    • The new restaurant in town has been getting a lot of buzz through word of mouth.

      This idiom refers to the spread of information or opinions through informal conversations between people. In this example, the restaurant's popularity is increasing because people are telling their friends and family about their positive experiences dining there.

    • I'm not sure if the product is worth trying, but I've heard some great things about it through word of mouth.

      Here, the speaker is unsure about the product's quality, but they have heard positive feedback from others through informal conversations.

    • The company's marketing strategy relies heavily on word of mouth to spread the word about their products.

      This example shows how businesses can benefit from positive word of mouth by encouraging satisfied customers to share their experiences with others.

    • The rumor about the CEO's resignation has been spreading like wildfire through word of mouth.

      In this example, the idiom is used to describe the rapid and uncontrollable spread of a rumor through informal conversations.

    • The restaurant's reputation has suffered due to a few negative experiences that have been circulating through word of mouth.

      This example shows how negative word of mouth can have a negative impact on a business's reputation.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "word of mouth" is commonly used to describe the way in which information is shared through informal conversations and exchanges. This can refer to a wide range of contexts, including news, reputation, advertising, and credibility. In all of these cases, the idiom highlights the power and influence of personal communication and recommendation.

    In terms of communication, "word of mouth" emphasizes the importance of spoken conversation and informal exchanges as a means of sharing information and news. This can be contrasted with formal communication channels, such as written reports or official announcements.

    When used in reference to reputation, "word of mouth" suggests that information or news about a person or thing spreads through people talking about it. This can be positive or negative, depending on the content of the conversation.

    In the context of advertising, "word of mouth" highlights the impact of personal recommendations and positive reviews in promoting a product or service. This is often seen as more effective than traditional forms of advertising, as it comes from a trusted source rather than a paid advertisement.

    Lastly, "word of mouth" can also be used to emphasize the credibility of information that is shared through personal communication rather than formal sources. This is because information that is passed on through word of mouth is often seen as more trustworthy and reliable, as it comes from someone's personal experience or knowledge.

    Origin of "Word of mouth"

    The origin of the idiom "word of mouth" can be traced back to ancient times when oral communication was the primary means of sharing information and news. In those days, people relied on spoken conversations and storytelling to pass on knowledge and stories from one generation to another.

    As written communication became more prevalent, the term "word of mouth" began to take on a new meaning. It started to refer to the spread of information through spoken conversations and informal exchanges, rather than through written sources.

    In recent years, the idiom has also been used in the context of marketing and advertising, highlighting the power of personal recommendations and positive reviews in promoting a product or service. This plays into the idea that people are more likely to trust and act on the recommendations of friends and family than traditional advertisements.

    Overall, the idiom "word of mouth" has evolved to encompass various meanings related to communication, reputation, advertising, and credibility. Its origins in oral communication remind us of the importance and influence of personal conversations in spreading information and shaping opinions.