Meaning
To be a very talkative person; to speak excessively.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'hablar por los codos' is often used during 'la sobremesa' (the time spent talking after a meal). It's a sign of a good, lively lunch. In Mexico, you might also hear 'tirar mucha crema' or 'ser muy rollero', but 'hablar por los codos' remains the most universally understood idiom. Argentines are known for their love of conversation. Using this phrase is a common way to tease friends during a 'asado' (barbecue).
Use it with 'ser'
You can say 'Es un/a codo-hablador' (rare) but it's much more natural to use the verb: 'Él habla por los codos'.
Don't use with 'decir'
Never say 'Dice por los codos'. The idiom is strictly tied to the verb 'hablar'.
Meaning
To be a very talkative person; to speak excessively.
Use it with 'ser'
You can say 'Es un/a codo-hablador' (rare) but it's much more natural to use the verb: 'Él habla por los codos'.
Don't use with 'decir'
Never say 'Dice por los codos'. The idiom is strictly tied to the verb 'hablar'.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct body part.
Mi abuelo es muy gracioso, pero habla por los ______.
The idiom is specifically 'hablar por los codos'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say someone talks too much in a casual setting?
A: Él habla mucho. B: Él habla por los codos. C: Él dice muchas palabras.
While A is correct, B is the most natural idiomatic expression for this context.
Match the person to the description.
A person who never stops talking during a movie.
This idiom perfectly describes someone who talks when they should be quiet.
Fill in the missing verb.
—¿Tu hermana es callada? —¡No! Ella ______ por los codos.
The verb 'hablar' is required to complete the idiom.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMi abuelo es muy gracioso, pero habla por los ______.
The idiom is specifically 'hablar por los codos'.
A: Él habla mucho. B: Él habla por los codos. C: Él dice muchas palabras.
While A is correct, B is the most natural idiomatic expression for this context.
A person who never stops talking during a movie.
This idiom perfectly describes someone who talks when they should be quiet.
—¿Tu hermana es callada? —¡No! Ella ______ por los codos.
The verb 'hablar' is required to complete the idiom.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNot necessarily. It depends on your tone. It can be a friendly tease or a sign of slight annoyance.
Yes! 'A veces hablo por los codos cuando estoy nervioso' is a very common thing to say.
No. The phrase 'por los codos' is fixed. Only the verb 'hablar' changes to match the person.
Related Phrases
Dar la lata
similarTo be annoying or a nuisance (often by talking).
Cascar
synonymTo chatter or gossip.
Quedarse mudo
contrastTo be speechless.
