What does “Every ass likes to hear himself bray” mean?

"Every ass likes to hear himself bray" means that every fool enjoys hearing himself talk.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He's always talking, just like every ass likes to hear himself bray.

Example

She never stops talking, it's like every ass likes to hear herself bray.

Example

He loves the sound of his own voice, just like every ass likes to hear himself bray

Is “Every ass likes to hear himself bray” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Every ass likes to hear himself bray” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Every ass likes to hear himself bray” effectively in context?

You can use "Every ass likes to hear himself bray" to describe someone who enjoys talking excessively, especially when they have nothing meaningful to say. It implies that the person is foolish and lacks self-awareness. For example, if a friend is constantly talking about trivial matters, you might say, 'He's always talking, just like every ass likes to hear himself bray.'

1Social Gatherings
At parties, there's always that one person who dominates the conversation and talks about themselves incessantly, like every ass likes to hear himself bray.
2Work Meetings
During meetings, there may be individuals who love to hear themselves talk and share their opinions on every topic, resembling the behavior of every ass liking to hear himself bray.
3Classroom Discussions
In a classroom setting, there might be a student who constantly interrupts the teacher and other students, enjoying the sound of their own voice, just like every ass likes to hear himself bray.

Similar phrases to “Every ass likes to hear himself bray”:

Empty vessels make the most noise

People who lack knowledge or substance are often the loudest or most talkative.

Example

He talks a lot, but he doesn't really know what he's talking about. Empty vessels make the most noise.

All talk and no action

Someone who talks about doing things but never actually does them.

Example

He keeps promising to help, but he never follows through. He's all talk and no action.

Talk the hind legs off a donkey

To talk excessively or without pause.

Example

She can talk the hind legs off a donkey. She never stops talking!

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Every ass likes to hear himself bray” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Every ass likes to hear himself bray" is unknown.

Is “Every ass likes to hear himself bray” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "Every ass likes to hear himself bray" is not commonly used in everyday conversation. It is an old proverb that may not be familiar to many people, especially non-native English speakers.

What tone does “Every ass likes to hear himself bray” have?

"Every ass likes to hear himself bray" conveys a tone of criticism and mockery. It is used to highlight someone's excessive and self-centered talking habits in a negative light.

Can “Every ass likes to hear himself bray” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "Every ass likes to hear himself bray" is informal and may not be suitable for formal settings. It is more commonly used in casual conversations among friends or in situations where humor and sarcasm are acceptable.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

The phrase is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He loves to talk about himself all the time, just like every ass likes to hear himself bray.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Just like every ass likes to hear himself bray!' to imply that someone is talking excessively.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

talk a blue streak
blow one's own trumpet
babble on
prattle on
yammer on

Antonyms

listen more than you speak
be a good listener
keep quiet
hold one's tongue
speak sparingly