Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Artfully persuasive in speech: Describes someone who speaks in a smooth, fluent, and often superficially convincing manner, which may lack sincerity or depth.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The salesman was so glib-tongued that he could sell ice to an Eskimo.
  • I don't trust politicians who are merely glib-tongued; I want to see concrete plans.

Advanced Usage

• The term often carries a negative connotation, implying that the persuasive speech is deceptive, insincere, or overly slick.
  • Beware of glib-tongued advisors who promise quick riches.
• It can describe a natural talent or a practiced skill in fluent, persuasive talk.
  • Her glib-tongued defense in the meeting saved the project from cancellation.

Variants and Related Words

• Glib (adj): Speaking or spoken in a smooth, fluent, and easy manner, often thought to be insincere or shallow.
  • He had a glib answer for every difficult question.
• Smooth-tongued (adj): A direct synonym for 'glib-tongued', meaning having a plausible, flattering, or persuasive manner of speech.
  • The smooth-tongued diplomat eased the tensions.

Synonyms

• Silver-tongued: Eloquent and persuasive in speaking.
• Persuasive: Good at persuading someone to do or believe something.
• Eloquent: Fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing.

Related Phrases

• To have a glib tongue: To possess the characteristic of being glib-tongued.
  • He gets by on his charm and a glib tongue.

Related Idioms

• Gift of the gab: The ability to speak easily and confidently in a way that makes people want to listen to you and believe you.
  • Successful auctioneers usually have the gift of the gab.

Adjective

1. artfully persuasive in speech
   • a glib tongue
   • a smooth-tongued hypocrite