Definition

Verb phrase: - To utter speech-like sounds that are not part of a known, structured language, especially as an expression of religious ecstasy or divine inspiration, often considered a spiritual gift. - (By extension) To talk rapidly and excitedly using words or sounds that are difficult for others to understand.

Usage and Examples

• Religious context:
  • During the intense prayer service, several members began to speak in tongues.
  • The practice of speaking in tongues is mentioned in the New Testament.
• Figurative/secular context:
  • The technical expert was speaking in tongues, using so much jargon that none of the managers could follow.
  • The feverish child muttered and spoke in tongues in her sleep.

Advanced Usage

• "Speaking in tongues" is often used as a noun phrase to describe the phenomenon itself.
  • The doctrine of speaking in tongues is interpreted differently across denominations.
• The act is sometimes described as "the gift of tongues".

Variants and Related Words

• Glossolalia (n): The formal, often academic term for the phenomenon of speaking in tongues.
  • The anthropologist wrote a paper on glossolalia in various religious movements.

Synonyms

• Utter glossolalia (formal)
• Babble (secular, often derogatory)
• Gibber (secular, implying nonsense)

Notes on Meaning

This phrase has two primary meanings: 1. Theological/Charismatic Meaning: A spontaneous, fluent vocalization believed by the speaker (and their religious community) to be a language given by the Holy Spirit, either unknown on earth ("heavenly language") or an unlearned human language ("xenoglossy"). It is often associated with Pentecostal and Charismatic Christian traditions. 2. Figurative/Colloquial Meaning: To talk in a way that is incomprehensible to the listener, due to extreme emotion, technical complexity, or nonsense. This usage does not carry a religious connotation.

Verb

1. speak unintelligibly in or as if in religious ecstasy
   • The parishioners spoke in tongues