Meaning
To stop talking rudely.
Cultural Background
In Croatia, 'kućni odgoj' (home upbringing) is highly valued. Using this phrase is a way for parents to remind children of their place in the family hierarchy. In the Dalmatian region, people are known for being 'dišpetni' (spiteful/stubborn) and vocal. This phrase is used very frequently in daily banter, often with less aggression and more humor. Across the Balkans, the tongue is a symbol of both power and danger. There are many proverbs about the tongue being 'sharper than a sword'. Younger generations use it ironically or when someone is 'flexing' or bragging too much on social media.
High Aggression
Be careful using this with people you don't know; it can be taken as a physical threat.
The Dative Key
Always use the dative (ti, mu, joj) to sound like a native speaker.
Meaning
To stop talking rudely.
High Aggression
Be careful using this with people you don't know; it can be taken as a physical threat.
The Dative Key
Always use the dative (ti, mu, joj) to sound like a native speaker.
Balkan Humor
In Dalmatia, this is often said with a smile as part of 'friendly' bickering.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
Ako nastaviš tako pričati, skratit ću ti _______!
The idiom specifically uses 'jezik' (tongue).
Which situation is most appropriate for using 'Skrati jezik!'?
Choose the best context:
It is an informal idiom used for discipline or arguments.
Complete the dialogue.
Marko: 'Ti si baš glup!' Mama: 'Marko, _______!'
The mother is telling Marko to stop being rude.
Match the phrase to the meaning.
Match 'On ima dugačak jezik' with its meaning.
'Dugačak jezik' is the prerequisite state for needing to 'skratiti jezik'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesAko nastaviš tako pričati, skratit ću ti _______!
The idiom specifically uses 'jezik' (tongue).
Choose the best context:
It is an informal idiom used for discipline or arguments.
Marko: 'Ti si baš glup!' Mama: 'Marko, _______!'
The mother is telling Marko to stop being rude.
Match 'On ima dugačak jezik' with its meaning.
'Dugačak jezik' is the prerequisite state for needing to 'skratiti jezik'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt depends on the tone. Between friends, it's a 4/10 on the rudeness scale. To a stranger, it's a 9/10.
No, it's specifically for 'bad' talking—rudeness, secrets, or insolence.
There isn't a direct opposite, but 'razvezati jezik' (to untie the tongue) means to start talking a lot.
Only in literature or journalism to describe a conflict; never in business letters.
Yes, it is identical in Serbian, Bosnian, and Montenegrin.
Yes, if you are addressing a group of rude people.
Yes, it almost always implies gossiping or lack of respect.
You would say 'Moram skratiti jezik' or 'Moram paziti na jezik'.
Yes, 'začepi' is the most common slang for 'shut up'.
Yes, it is a very common 'parenting' phrase in Croatia.
Related Phrases
imati dugačak jezik
similarTo be a gossip or rude.
držati jezik za zubima
similarTo keep a secret / stay quiet.
paziti na jezik
similarTo watch one's mouth.
brz na jeziku
similarQuick-witted or quick to insult.
začepiti usta
synonymTo shut someone up.
