clean-tongued

A teacher reminds the class to be clean-tongued during the debate.

Definition

Adjective:
- Refined in speech: "clean-tongued" describes someone who does not use vulgar, offensive, or profane language; their speech is polite, courteous, and proper.
- She is known for being clean-tongued, never uttering a single swear word even when angry. (She speaks without obscenity or rudeness.)
- Elegant and respectful in expression: It can also imply a person who chooses words carefully to avoid causing offense or discomfort.
- The diplomat's clean-tongued remarks helped maintain a peaceful atmosphere during the tense negotiations. (His polite and refined language contributed to harmony.)

Usage Examples

• (His speech was free of vulgarity and showed good manners.)
• (Choosing not to use offensive language online.)
• (To speak without profanity or rudeness.)

Advanced Usage

• "To remain clean-tongued": to consistently avoid using foul or impolite language even in difficult situations.
  • Despite the provocation, he remained clean-tongued and responded calmly. (He did not resort to swearing or insults.)
• "A clean-tongued debate": a discussion conducted with respectful and non-offensive language.
  • The political debate was surprisingly clean-tongued, with both candidates focusing on issues rather than personal attacks. (The language used was polite and professional.)

Variants and Related Words

• Clean-tonguedness (n): the quality or state of being clean-tongued.
  • Her clean-tonguedness was admired by all who knew her. (Her habit of speaking politely was a notable trait.)
• Clean (adj): free from dirt, marks, or unwanted substances; in this context, "clean" metaphorically means free from impurity in speech.
  • He has a clean mind and a clean tongue. (He thinks and speaks without vulgarity.)

Synonyms

• Polite: having or showing good manners and respect for others.
  • She is always polite, never using harsh words. (Similar to clean-tongued in social contexts.)
• Refined: elegant and cultured in manner or speech.
  • His refined language impressed the audience. (His speech was polished and free of coarseness.)
• Wholesome: conducive to moral or general well-being; decent and clean.
  • The comedian's wholesome jokes were clean-tongued and family-friendly. (Not offensive or vulgar.)

Antonyms (for contrast)

• Foul-mouthed: using offensive, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Unlike his foul-mouthed brother, he was clean-tongued. (One uses bad language; the other does not.)
• Coarse: rough or crude in speech or manner.
  • Her coarse remarks shocked the audience, while he remained clean-tongued. (She was vulgar; he was polite.)

Related Idioms

• Watch one's tongue: to be careful about what one says, especially to avoid offensive language.
  • He always watches his tongue in formal settings, being clean-tongued by habit. (He deliberately avoids rude speech.)
• A silver tongue: the ability to speak eloquently and persuasively, often with charm.
  • Though he had a silver tongue, he was also clean-tongued, never using his eloquence for harm. (He spoke beautifully and politely.)