Meaning
To be arrogant or rude.
Cultural Background
Dutch culture values 'mondigheid' (being assertive and able to speak for oneself). However, 'een grote mond' is the negative extreme where assertiveness becomes rudeness. In Flanders, people are generally perceived as more 'bescheiden' (modest) than in the Netherlands. Therefore, 'een grote mond' is often judged more harshly and seen as 'typically Dutch' arrogance. In these cultures, respect for elders is paramount. Having 'een grote mond' against a parent or grandparent is a very serious offense, often leading to stricter consequences than in European Dutch households. While the workplace is flat, 'een grote mond' against a manager is still a risk. It's often called 'brutaliteit' and can hinder your career progression, despite the 'directness' of the culture.
Avoid 'Grote Bek'
Unless you are in a very heated argument with someone you don't respect, avoid 'grote bek'. It is much more offensive than 'grote mond'.
The 'Tegen' Rule
Always use 'tegen' (against) when specifying who the person is being rude to. 'Een grote mond hebben tegen de politie'.
Meaning
To be arrogant or rude.
Avoid 'Grote Bek'
Unless you are in a very heated argument with someone you don't respect, avoid 'grote bek'. It is much more offensive than 'grote mond'.
The 'Tegen' Rule
Always use 'tegen' (against) when specifying who the person is being rude to. 'Een grote mond hebben tegen de politie'.
Directness vs Rudeness
Dutch people appreciate honesty. You can say you disagree, but keep your volume down and your tone neutral to avoid being accused of having a 'grote mond'.
Test Yourself
Vul de juiste vorm van het idioom in.
De leerling kreeg straf omdat hij een ______ ______ ______ tegen de leraar.
We use 'had' because the first part of the sentence is in the past tense ('kreeg').
Wat betekent 'een grote mond hebben' in deze context?
Mijn buurman heeft een grote mond over zijn nieuwe auto.
In this context, it refers to bragging or being arrogant.
In welke situatie is 'een grote mond' het meest gepast?
Kies de beste situatie:
This is a classic example of being disrespectful or talking back.
Maak de dialoog af.
Moeder: 'Ga nu je huiswerk maken!' Kind: 'Ik heb geen zin, doe het zelf maar!' Moeder: 'Pas op, ...'
The mother is warning the child about their current rude behavior.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Mond vs. Bek
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDe leerling kreeg straf omdat hij een ______ ______ ______ tegen de leraar.
We use 'had' because the first part of the sentence is in the past tense ('kreeg').
Mijn buurman heeft een grote mond over zijn nieuwe auto.
In this context, it refers to bragging or being arrogant.
Kies de beste situatie:
This is a classic example of being disrespectful or talking back.
Moeder: 'Ga nu je huiswerk maken!' Kind: 'Ik heb geen zin, doe het zelf maar!' Moeder: 'Pas op, ...'
The mother is warning the child about their current rude behavior.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsUsually, yes. However, with the addition 'klein hartje', it can be a somewhat affectionate way to describe someone who acts tougher than they are.
Only if you want to get fired! It is very disrespectful to say this to a superior. You might use it *about* a boss to a friend, though.
'Brutaal' is the adjective (cheeky/rude), while 'een grote mond hebben' is the idiomatic expression of that behavior.
No. In English, it often means someone who can't keep a secret. In Dutch, it almost exclusively means someone who is rude or arrogant.
The most common way is: 'Geen grote mond hebben!' or 'Hou je mond!'
Yes, but Flemings might find it a bit 'Hollands' (typically Dutch) and might use 'grote muil' or 'grote babbel' instead.
Literally, yes, a dog can have a physically large mouth. But idiomatically, we usually say a dog 'blaft veel' (barks a lot).
Yes, among friends it's very common, often used playfully with emojis.
There isn't one perfect idiom, but 'bescheiden zijn' (being modest) or 'je koest houden' (keeping quiet/low profile) are close.
It's informal, but not quite slang. Everyone from children to grandparents uses and understands it.
Related Phrases
een grote bek hebben
specialized formA more vulgar and aggressive version of the phrase.
mondig zijn
contrastTo be assertive and able to speak for oneself.
je mond houden
contrastTo keep your mouth shut / be quiet.
een grote snater hebben
similarTo be talkative or cheeky in a slightly funny way.
praatjes hebben
similarTo have a lot of talk but no action.
iemand de mond snoeren
builds onTo silence someone / shut them up.
