Word Origins - Mum’s the Word
The phrase - Mum’s the Word - means to say nothing or to keep quiet. Many phrases that are used come from one author - Shakespeare. The word mum refers to saying “mmmmmm”, or humming and not saying a word.
It was used in Henry VI, Part 2:
“Seal up your lips and give no words but mum.”
May 13th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
