language (redirected from bad language)

*in plain language and *in plain English

Fig. in simple, clear, and straightforward language. (*Typically: be ~; put something [into] ~; say something ~; write something ~.) That's too confusing. Please say it again in plain English. Tell me again in plain language.

See also: plain

language that would fry bacon

Rur. profanity; swearing; curse words. ("Hot" language.) He carried on in language that would fry bacon. I was shocked when I heard that sweet little girl use language that would fry bacon.

See also: bacon, fry

speak someone's language

Fig. to say something that one agrees with or understands. I gotcha. Now you're speaking my language. Mary speaks Fred's language. They get along fine.

See also: speak

speak the same language 

1. Lit. [for two or more people] to communicate in a shared language. These two people don't speak the same language and need an interpreter.

2. Fig. [for people] to have similar ideas, tastes, etc. Jane and Jack get along very well. They really speak the same language about almost everything. Bob and his father didn't speak the same language when it comes to politics.

See also: same, speak

use foul language

Euph. to swear. There's no need to use foul language. When she gets angry, she tends to use foul language.

See also: foul, use

use strong language

Euph. to swear, threaten, or use abusive language. I wish you wouldn't use strong language in front of the children. If you feel that you have to use strong language with the manager, perhaps you had better let me do the talking.

See also: strong, use

Watch your mouth! and Watch your tongue! Watch your language!

Inf. Pay attention to what you are saying!; Do not say anything rude! Hey, don't talk that way! Watch your mouth! Watch your tongue, garbage mouth!

See also: watch

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speak/talk the same language

if two people speak the same language, they have similar beliefs and opinions, and express themselves in similar ways There's no use setting up a meeting between the environmentalists and the construction company - they just don't speak the same language.

See It's all the same to me, be cut from the same cloth, be of like mind, sing the same tune, tar with the same brush, be on the same wavelength

See also: same, speak

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speak the same language also speak somebody's language

to share similar beliefs and opinions Environmentalists and developers don't speak the same language. When we got down to planning where to go on our trip, I was glad we spoke the same language.

See also: same, speak