word-of-mouth
Meaning
(of information) communicated by people talking to each other, rather than through newspapers, television, etc.
The process of telling people you know about a product, service, etc., because you think it is good.
Structure
Usage
The film became a hit largely through word-of-mouth recommendation.
We rely on word-of-mouth advertising to attract new clients.
Positive word-of-mouth is the most valuable marketing tool for a small business.
Etymology
The compound "word-of-mouth" is a modern English phrasal adjective and noun formed from three native Germanic elements. Its logic is entirely transparent and literal, describing information that passes directly "from the mouth" of one person to the ear of another via spoken "words." The preposition "of" here denotes origin or source. While each component has deep Proto-Indo-European ancestry, the specific combination emerged in English to describe informal, interpersonal communication, contrasting with formal, written, or broadcast media. It highlights the ancient and fundamental human practice of sharing news and recommendations through direct speech, a concept later applied to marketing and sociology to describe organic, trust-based dissemination.
Analysis
- word: From Old English 'word', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'woord' and German 'Wort'. Functions as a noun meaning a single distinct meaningful element of speech or writing. - of: From Old English, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'af' and German 'ab'. Functions as a preposition indicating the relationship between a part and a whole, or expressing association. - mouth: From Old English 'mūþ', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'mond' and German 'Mund'. Functions as a noun meaning the opening in the face used for speaking, eating, etc.