A1 Idiom Informal

Imati dugačak jezik

imati dugačak jezik

Have a long tongue

Significado

To talk too much or gossip.

🌍

Contexto cultural

In small Serbian communities, 'dugačak jezik' is a serious social label. It can lead to a person being excluded from private gatherings. In Montenegro, where 'čojstvo' (humanity/honor) is highly valued, having a 'long tongue' is seen as a lack of manhood or character. In the city, it's often used more lightly to describe 'drama queens' or people who post too much on social media. Historically, women were more often accused of having a 'long tongue', though today the phrase is gender-neutral.

💡

Use with 'Pazi'

It's very common to pair this with 'Pazi' (Watch out). 'Pazi, on ima dugačak jezik!'

⚠️

It's an insult

Be careful! Calling someone this to their face is a direct insult. Use it when talking *about* someone.

Significado

To talk too much or gossip.

💡

Use with 'Pazi'

It's very common to pair this with 'Pazi' (Watch out). 'Pazi, on ima dugačak jezik!'

⚠️

It's an insult

Be careful! Calling someone this to their face is a direct insult. Use it when talking *about* someone.

🎯

The 'Cow's Tail' version

If you want to sound like a native, use 'dugačak jezik kao krava rep' for someone who is a massive gossip.

Ponte a prueba

Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.

Pazi šta pričaš pred njom, ona ima dugačak _______.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: jezik

The idiom is 'dugačak jezik' (long tongue).

What does it mean if someone has a 'dugačak jezik'?

Marko ima dugačak jezik.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Marko gossips and tells secrets.

The figurative meaning is about gossiping.

Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.

A: Da li da kažem Milici za tvoj novi posao? B: Ne, nikako! Ona _______.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: ima dugačak jezik

We use 'ima' (has) + 'dugačak jezik'.

Match the situation to the correct response.

A child is talking back rudely to their mother.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Skrati taj dugačak jezik!

'Skrati taj dugačak jezik' is used for talking back.

🎉 Puntuación: /4

Ayudas visuales

Banco de ejercicios

4 ejercicios
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom. Fill Blank A1

Pazi šta pričaš pred njom, ona ima dugačak _______.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: jezik

The idiom is 'dugačak jezik' (long tongue).

What does it mean if someone has a 'dugačak jezik'? Choose A1

Marko ima dugačak jezik.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Marko gossips and tells secrets.

The figurative meaning is about gossiping.

Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase. dialogue_completion A2

A: Da li da kažem Milici za tvoj novi posao? B: Ne, nikako! Ona _______.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: ima dugačak jezik

We use 'ima' (has) + 'dugačak jezik'.

Match the situation to the correct response. situation_matching B1

A child is talking back rudely to their mother.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Skrati taj dugačak jezik!

'Skrati taj dugačak jezik' is used for talking back.

🎉 Puntuación: /4

Preguntas frecuentes

5 preguntas

No. For that, you would say 'On govori mnogo jezika' or 'On je poliglota'.

No, it is gender-neutral. Men can have a 'dugačak jezik' too.

You can say 'Nemoj imati dugačak jezik' or 'Nemoj da tračariš'.

Not really. Having a 'long tongue' is almost always seen as a negative trait in Serbian.

Yes, but it usually means they are talking back to you or being sassy, not just being cute and talkative.

Frases relacionadas

🔗

Brz na jeziku

similar

Quick-witted or sharp-tongued.

🔗

Pustiti jezik

builds on

To start talking a lot (often after being quiet).

🔗

Zavezati jezik

contrast

To tie one's tongue / to be silent.

🔗

Oštar jezik

similar

Sharp tongue.

¿Te ha servido?
¡No hay comentarios todavía. Sé el primero en compartir tus ideas!