Word of mouth
Meaning
The transmission of information, stories, or recommendations from person to person through oral communication.
Origin
Before the advent of writing, printing presses, or the internet, the human voice was the original broadcasting system. 'Word of mouth' captures this ancient and fundamental act of communication: the sharing of information, news, and recommendations directly from person to person. From Stone Age tribes relaying warnings about predators to Roman merchants praising their wares, the spoken word served as the primary, most trusted, and often only channel for transmitting vital knowledge and building reputations. The phrase thus mirrors the raw, elemental power of human connection, a legacy of how communities have always informed and influenced one another, with its usage documented as early as the 16th century.
Examples
- The new bakery quickly gained popularity through enthusiastic word of mouth among local residents.
- Many small businesses rely heavily on positive word of mouth to attract new customers without extensive advertising.