Meaning
A verbal fight or argument
Cultural Background
In Javanese culture, 'adu mulut' in public is highly discouraged as it violates the principle of 'Alus' (refinement). In Batak culture (North Sumatra), speaking loudly and firmly is common. What might look like 'adu mulut' to an outsider is often just a passionate discussion. In cities like Jakarta, 'adu mulut' is a common sight in traffic and is often seen as a way to vent frustration. Indonesian 'Sinetron' (soap operas) rely heavily on 'adu mulut' scenes to create drama and tension.
Use 'Beradu'
Use 'beradu mulut' in writing to sound more educated and grammatically correct.
Not for Physical Fights
Never use 'adu mulut' if someone got hit. That's 'berkelahi.'
Meaning
A verbal fight or argument
Use 'Beradu'
Use 'beradu mulut' in writing to sound more educated and grammatically correct.
Not for Physical Fights
Never use 'adu mulut' if someone got hit. That's 'berkelahi.'
The 'Face' Factor
In Indonesia, stopping an 'adu mulut' is often about saving face for both parties.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
Dua tetangga itu sedang ___ karena masalah sampah.
Arguments about trash are verbal, so 'adu mulut' is the correct idiom.
Which situation best describes 'adu mulut'?
Apa itu adu mulut?
Adu mulut involves anger and loud talking (verbal fighting).
Complete the dialogue.
Ibu: 'Kenapa di luar berisik sekali?' Anak: 'Ada dua orang yang sedang ___.'
Noise (berisik) in this context is caused by people arguing.
Match the phrase to the context.
Context: A heated debate on a TV talk show.
TV debates often involve 'adu mulut' (verbal clashing).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDua tetangga itu sedang ___ karena masalah sampah.
Arguments about trash are verbal, so 'adu mulut' is the correct idiom.
Apa itu adu mulut?
Adu mulut involves anger and loud talking (verbal fighting).
Ibu: 'Kenapa di luar berisik sekali?' Anak: 'Ada dua orang yang sedang ___.'
Noise (berisik) in this context is caused by people arguing.
Context: A heated debate on a TV talk show.
TV debates often involve 'adu mulut' (verbal clashing).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsThe phrase itself isn't rude, but the action it describes is usually seen as negative or impolite in public.
No, it implies anger. For a friendly debate, use 'diskusi' or 'tukar pikiran.'
'Cekcok' is often used for domestic bickering, while 'adu mulut' is more general and can be quite loud.
Yes, but usually with the prefix 'ber-', as in 'beradu mulut.'
Yes, it's a common phrase that children understand and use to describe their peers.
Related Phrases
Adu domba
similarTo pit two parties against each other.
Mulut manis
contrastSweet talker.
Tutup mulut
contrastTo keep quiet / keep a secret.
Besar mulut
relatedTo boast or brag.
Adu argumen
specialized formTo debate logically.
