Meaning
To gossip too much.
Cultural Background
In Poland, the 'plotka' (gossip) is a double-edged sword. While socially discouraged, it is a primary way information moves in small communities. 'Mieć długi język' is a serious social label. Old Slavic tales often depicted the tongue as a separate entity that could betray its owner. This idiom reflects that ancient fear of one's own speech. In modern Polish offices, this idiom is frequently used to describe 'informers' or those who can't keep confidential project details secret. Tabloids in Poland are often described as having 'długie języki' because they pry into the private lives of celebrities.
It's an insult
Be careful calling someone this to their face; it's a direct criticism of their character.
Use with 'nie'
Saying 'Nie mam długiego języka' is a great way to reassure someone they can trust you.
Meaning
To gossip too much.
It's an insult
Be careful calling someone this to their face; it's a direct criticism of their character.
Use with 'nie'
Saying 'Nie mam długiego języka' is a great way to reassure someone they can trust you.
The 'Neighbor' Stereotype
In Poland, the stereotypical 'sąsiadka' (female neighbor) is often described as having a long tongue.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'mieć'.
Uważaj na Marka, on ___ długi język.
The subject is 'on' (he), so the correct conjugation of 'mieć' is 'ma'.
Which sentence means 'I can't keep a secret'?
Wybierz poprawne zdanie:
The idiom specifically uses 'mieć' and 'długi język'.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Czy mogę powiedzieć to Ewie? B: Nie radzę. Ona ___.
The context 'Nie radzę' (I don't advise it) suggests Ewa cannot keep a secret.
Match the situation to the phrase.
Twoja sąsiadka opowiedziała wszystkim o twoim nowym samochodzie, choć prosiłeś o dyskrecję.
Spreading news after being asked for discretion is the definition of having a long tongue.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesUważaj na Marka, on ___ długi język.
The subject is 'on' (he), so the correct conjugation of 'mieć' is 'ma'.
Wybierz poprawne zdanie:
The idiom specifically uses 'mieć' and 'długi język'.
A: Czy mogę powiedzieć to Ewie? B: Nie radzę. Ona ___.
The context 'Nie radzę' (I don't advise it) suggests Ewa cannot keep a secret.
Twoja sąsiadka opowiedziała wszystkim o twoim nowym samochodzie, choć prosiłeś o dyskrecję.
Spreading news after being asked for discretion is the definition of having a long tongue.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it almost always implies a negative trait of being indiscreet or gossiping.
It's better to use 'gaduła' for a child. 'Długi język' implies they are telling secrets they shouldn't.
The opposite is 'trzymać język za zębami' (to keep one's tongue behind one's teeth).
You use this exact phrase: 'On ma długi język.'
No, the case remains Accusative: 'On miał długi język.'
Only in an informal email to a friend. Avoid it in professional correspondence.
Yes, you can use the comparative to say someone gossips even more than someone else.
Yes, 'papla' or 'rozpruć się' (to spill everything) are common slang alternatives.
It's a traditional metaphor across many languages; 'long' suggests the tongue reaches where it shouldn't.
Not really. It's specifically for someone who reveals truths/secrets that should be hidden.
Related Phrases
trzymać język za zębami
contrastTo keep a secret.
gaduła
similarA chatterbox.
puścić parę z ust
builds onTo let a secret slip.
język kogoś świerzbi
similarSomeone is dying to say something.
ostry język
specialized formA sharp tongue.
