المعنى
To speak back rudely or insolently to someone.
خلفية ثقافية
In traditional Greek families, 'talking back' is one of the biggest taboos. It is seen as a direct challenge to the 'philotimo' of the parent. Teachers in Greece often use this phrase to maintain discipline. It marks the boundary between a 'lively' student and a 'rude' one. The 'insolent youth' is a common trope in 1960s Greek comedies, where the phrase is used to create comedic tension between generations. The phrase has found a new life online, where users 'βγάζουν γλώσσα' to politicians or celebrities, reflecting a more democratic but also more aggressive public discourse.
Use with Pronouns
Always include the person being addressed using the genitive: μου, σου, του, της, μας, σας, τους.
Watch the Tone
This phrase can be very offensive if used with a superior. Use it only when you are in a position to correct someone.
المعنى
To speak back rudely or insolently to someone.
Use with Pronouns
Always include the person being addressed using the genitive: μου, σου, του, της, μας, σας, τους.
Watch the Tone
This phrase can be very offensive if used with a superior. Use it only when you are in a position to correct someone.
The 'Cheeky' Factor
In modern Greek, it can sometimes be a compliment for a child's wit, but be careful!
Aorist vs Present
Use 'έβγαλε' for a single rude comment and 'βγάζει' for a person who is generally rude.
اختبر نفسك
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'βγάζω'.
Ο Γιάννης είναι πολύ κακό παιδί· πάντα ______ γλώσσα στη μαμά του.
The subject is 'Ο Γιάννης' (3rd person singular), and the sentence implies a habitual action (always), so the present tense 'βγάζει' is correct.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly to mean 'talking back'?
Choose the correct sentence:
The second option is the figurative use of the idiom. The first is literal, and the third is nonsensical.
Complete the dialogue with the appropriate phrase.
Μαμά: 'Πλύνε τα πιάτα.' Παιδί: 'Γιατί δεν τα πλένεις εσύ;' Μαμά: '________!'
The mother is giving a command to stop the behavior, so the negative imperative 'Μη μου βγάζεις γλώσσα' is the most natural fit.
Match the situation to the meaning of 'βγάζω γλώσσα'.
Situation: Two friends are teasing each other about a mistake.
Between friends, the idiom often loses its aggressive edge and becomes a way to describe playful banter.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Literal vs. Figurative
بنك التمارين
4 تمارينΟ Γιάννης είναι πολύ κακό παιδί· πάντα ______ γλώσσα στη μαμά του.
The subject is 'Ο Γιάννης' (3rd person singular), and the sentence implies a habitual action (always), so the present tense 'βγάζει' is correct.
Choose the correct sentence:
The second option is the figurative use of the idiom. The first is literal, and the third is nonsensical.
Μαμά: 'Πλύνε τα πιάτα.' Παιδί: 'Γιατί δεν τα πλένεις εσύ;' Μαμά: '________!'
The mother is giving a command to stop the behavior, so the negative imperative 'Μη μου βγάζεις γλώσσα' is the most natural fit.
Situation: Two friends are teasing each other about a mistake.
Between friends, the idiom often loses its aggressive edge and becomes a way to describe playful banter.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةMostly, yes. It implies a lack of respect. However, between very close friends, it can be a way of teasing someone for being 'sassy'.
Only if you want to get fired! It's very informal and implies the person is acting like a child.
'Αντιμιλάω' is the literal verb for 'talking back'. 'Βγάζω γλώσσα' is more descriptive and emphasizes the rude attitude.
You say 'Μου έβγαλε γλώσσα'.
No, it's strictly colloquial. Use 'απρέπεια' or 'ανάρμοστη συμπεριφορά' in formal contexts.
Literally, yes. But 90% of the time, Greeks use it to mean 'talking back'.
Yes, but it's an insult. It implies the adult is behaving like a disrespectful child.
There isn't a single idiom, but 'κρατάω τα προσχήματα' (keeping up appearances/being polite) or 'δεν βγάζω άχνα' (not making a sound) are related.
Yes, it's a universal Greek idiom used in every region.
Yes, with a smile and a playful tone, it's common among friends.
عبارات ذات صلة
έχω μεγάλη γλώσσα
similarTo be a gossip or talk too much.
αντιμιλάω
synonymTo talk back.
του έκοψα τη γλώσσα
contrastTo silence someone.
γλωσσοτρώω
relatedTo jinx someone by talking about them.
καταπίνω τη γλώσσα μου
contrastTo be speechless or stay silent.
