What does “Talk nineteen to the dozen” mean?
"Talk nineteen to the dozen" means to talk very quickly and without stopping.
What context can I use the in?
Example
She was so excited that she started talking nineteen to the dozen.
Example
He's always talking nineteen to the dozen when he's nervous.
Example
The children were talking nineteen to the dozen about their day at school
Is “Talk nineteen to the dozen” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Talk nineteen to the dozen” 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 “Talk nineteen to the dozen” effectively in context?
You can use "Talk nineteen to the dozen" to describe someone who talks very quickly and without stopping. It emphasizes the speed and volume of their speech. For example, if a friend is excitedly telling you about their day, you might say, 'She was so excited that she started talking nineteen to the dozen.'
- 1Excitement
She was so excited that she started talking nineteen to the dozen.
- 2Nervousness
He's always talking nineteen to the dozen when he's nervous.
- 3Sharing Stories
The children were talking nineteen to the dozen about their day at school.
Similar phrases to “Talk nineteen to the dozen”:
A person who talks excessively or rapidly
Example
She's such a chatterbox, always talking about everything and anything.
Rapid-fire talker
A person who speaks quickly and without pause
Example
She's known for being a rapid-fire talker, always finishing her sentences before anyone else can respond.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Talk nineteen to the dozen” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Talk nineteen to the dozen" is unknown.
Is “Talk nineteen to the dozen” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Talk nineteen to the dozen" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe someone who talks rapidly and non-stop.
What tone does “Talk nineteen to the dozen” have?
"Talk nineteen to the dozen" conveys a tone of fast-paced and enthusiastic speech. It's often used to describe someone who is excited or nervous and can't stop talking.
Can “Talk nineteen to the dozen” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "talk nineteen to the dozen" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a specific style of speech. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She was so excited that she started talking nineteen to the dozen.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'She's "talking nineteen to the dozen"!' to imply rapid speech.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- talk a mile a minute
- talk non-stop
- talk at lightning speed
- talk without taking a breath
- talk incessantly
Antonyms
- speak slowly
- speak calmly
- speak deliberately
- speak sparingly
- speak in measured tones
