earful
Definition
Noun 1. A severe scolding or reprimand: A lengthy, forceful, and often angry verbal criticism or telling-off. 2. An outpouring of gossip or information: A large amount of talk, especially of news, rumors, or private details, often shared in a torrent.
Usage and Examples
- Noun (Scolding):
- He got an earful from his boss for missing the deadline.
- If you come home late again, you'll get an earful from your mother.
- Noun (Gossip/Information):
- She gave me an earful about all the office drama.
- I called my friend and got an earful about her vacation.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- The word is informal and often used in spoken English.
- It implies the information or scolding is delivered in a concentrated, forceful, or overwhelming manner. The listener is metaphorically filled up to the ear with it.
- It is commonly used with verbs like get, give, or receive.
Variants and Related Words
- Ear-bashing (noun, informal): Similar to "earful," meaning a lengthy and forceful scolding or talking-to.
- He gave me a real ear-bashing about my driving.
Synonyms
- For a scolding: Telling-off, reprimand, lecture, dressing-down, tongue-lashing.
- For gossip/information: Lowdown, gossip, news, details, scoop (informal).
Related Idioms and Phrases
- To give someone a piece of your mind: To express your anger or disapproval directly and forcefully to someone (similar to giving an "earful" as a scolding).
- I'm going to give him a piece of my mind when I see him.
- To bend someone's ear: To talk to someone for a long time, especially about your problems or opinions.
- She bent my ear for an hour about her neighbor.
Noun
-
a severe scolding
-
an outpouring of gossip
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