Question of the Day #1134

Is Epic Games ever going to build HQ at razed Cary Towne Center site? Mum is the word

From the headline of this article at WRAL Tech Wire.

  上記の文で、mum is the wordの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "mum is the word" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

今言ったことは黙って［内緒にして・秘密にして］おけ［おくよ］。／他言は無用。／ここだけの話。

   

Answer

According to Merriam-Webster:

used to say that some information is being kept secret or should be kept secret

 

語源

英辞郎によると、

◆【語源】シェークスピアのHenry IVのパート2に出てくるセリフ "Seal your lips and give no words but mum."（口にチャックをしてムー以外の音を出すな）

なお、英辞郎ではシェークスピアが語源とされているが、単語のmum自体はWilliam Langlandの1376年の作品Piers Plowmanで初めて登場します。この表現自体を初めて使用したのが、シェークスピアです。

 

Etymology

According to Ginger:

The 'mum' in the expression 'mum’s the word' is derived from the humming sound a closed mouth makes, indicating an inability or unwillingness to speak. The word 'mum' was first used by William Langland in his 1376 work Piers Plowman, and the expression itself became popular in the 16th century. You’ll find it in Shakespeare’s Henry VI, Part 2: “Seal up your lips and give no words but mum.”

   

Examples

1. We want her birthday party to be a surprise, so mum's the word.
2. As of right now, mum's the word on the plot for season 6. —Adrianna Freedman, Good Housekeeping, 18 June 2023
3. They kept it quiet - after all, mum's the word. The Sun (2018)
4. “Please don’t tell Mom what I’m getting her for her birthday.” Answer: “Mum’s the word!”
5. But, until then, mum's the word. Times, Sunday Times (2017)

   

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