Top 38 Slang For Quiet – Meaning & Usage

Sometimes, we all need a little peace and quiet. Whether you’re trying to concentrate on a task or just want to escape the noise, having the right slang for quiet can come in handy. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top slang for quiet that will help you express your need for some tranquility in the coolest way possible. So, shhh… let’s explore this list and discover the perfect words to embrace the silence.

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1. Shush

This is a term used to tell someone to be quiet or to make a shushing sound to silence someone. It is often used in a gentle or hushed tone.

For example, a librarian might say, “Shush, please. This is a quiet area.”
If someone is talking during a movie, a person might turn to them and say, “Shush, we’re trying to watch.”
A parent might use this term to quiet down their child by saying, “Shush now, it’s time to sleep.”

2. Zip it

This slang phrase is used to tell someone to stop talking or to keep quiet. It is a more direct and forceful way of asking someone to be quiet.

For instance, if someone is being too loud or obnoxious, a person might say, “Hey, zip it!”
In a heated argument, one person might shout, “Just zip it, I don’t want to hear it anymore!”
A teacher might use this phrase to silence a noisy classroom by saying, “Everyone, zip it!”

3. Hush-hush

This term refers to something that is kept private or not meant to be shared with others. It suggests a need for discretion or secrecy.

For example, if someone asks about a surprise party, a person might say, “It’s hush-hush, don’t tell anyone.”
In a workplace, if there are rumors of layoffs, employees might say, “Management is keeping it hush-hush.”
A spy movie might involve a hush-hush mission that only a select few are aware of.

4. Mum’s the word

This phrase means to keep something a secret or to not talk about it. It implies that one should remain silent and not share information.

For instance, if someone confides in you about a personal matter, you might respond, “Mum’s the word, I won’t tell anyone.”
In a group setting where sensitive information is discussed, someone might say, “Remember, mum’s the word on this topic.”
A person might use this phrase to emphasize the need for confidentiality by saying, “We’re dealing with a delicate situation, so mum’s the word.”

5. Can it

This slang phrase is used to tell someone to stop talking or to be quiet. It is a more casual and informal way of asking someone to be quiet.

For example, if someone is talking too much, a person might say, “Can it, I’m trying to concentrate.”
In a playful argument, one person might say, “Just can it already, you’re not making any sense!”
A friend might use this phrase to playfully tease another friend by saying, “Hey, can it, you’re embarrassing me!”

6. Button it

This phrase is often used to tell someone to stop talking or to be quiet. It can be seen as a more direct and assertive way of asking someone to be quiet.

For example, a teacher might say to a noisy student, “Button it and pay attention!”
In a heated argument, one person might say to another, “Just button it and let me finish!”
A parent might tell their child, “If you don’t button it right now, you’re going to your room.”

7. Pipe down

This phrase is used to ask someone to lower their voice or to stop making noise. It can also be used to tell someone to calm down or relax.

For instance, in a movie theater, one person might say to another, “Pipe down, you’re being too loud.”
During a heated argument, someone might say, “Hey, everyone, let’s just pipe down and try to resolve this calmly.”
A parent might tell their children, “Pipe down and go to sleep, it’s late.”

8. Keep it down

This phrase is used to ask someone to lower the volume of their voice or to be quiet. It can be used in various situations to maintain a quieter environment.

For example, in a library, a librarian might say, “Please keep it down, this is a quiet area.”
In an office, a coworker might remind someone, “Hey, could you keep it down? I’m on a call.”
A neighbor might knock on the door and say, “Can you keep it down? It’s late and people are trying to sleep.”

9. Tone it down

This phrase is used to ask someone to reduce the intensity or volume of their actions or words. It can be used in situations where someone is being too loud, aggressive, or excessive.

For instance, during a heated argument, someone might say, “Hey, tone it down, we’re not getting anywhere.”
In a music rehearsal, a band member might be asked to “tone it down” to balance the sound.
A parent might tell their child, “You need to tone it down with the video games, it’s affecting your schoolwork.”

10. Zip your lip

This phrase is used to ask someone to stop talking or to be quiet. It is often used in a playful or lighthearted manner.

For example, a friend might jokingly say to another, “Zip your lip, we’re trying to watch the movie.”
In a classroom, a teacher might playfully say to a talkative student, “Alright, time to zip your lip and let others have a chance.”
A parent might say to their child, “Zip your lip and listen to what I’m saying.”

11. Put a sock in it

This phrase is used to tell someone to be quiet or to stop talking. It is often used in a slightly humorous or playful way.

For example, if someone is talking loudly during a movie, you might say, “Hey, put a sock in it!”
In a heated argument, one person might yell, “Enough! Put a sock in it!”
A parent might say to their child, “Put a sock in it and go to bed!”

12. Hold your tongue

This phrase is used to tell someone to remain silent or not to speak. It can be used in a serious or stern manner.

For instance, if someone is about to reveal a secret, you might say, “Hold your tongue!”
In a classroom, a teacher might say to a disruptive student, “Hold your tongue or I’ll send you to the principal’s office.”
During a tense meeting, one person might say to another, “Hold your tongue and let me finish speaking.”

13. Keep mum

This phrase is used to tell someone to remain silent or to keep a secret. It is often used in a more informal or lighthearted context.

For example, if someone asks about a surprise party, you might say, “Keep mum, it’s a secret!”
In a game of poker, one player might say to another, “Keep mum about your hand.”
A friend might ask, “Did you hear about the new job opening?” and you might respond, “Keep mum, I’ll tell you later.”

14. Shh

This is a simple and direct way to tell someone to be quiet. It is often used in a gentle or soothing manner.

For instance, if someone is talking loudly in a library, you might say, “Shh, people are trying to study.”
In a movie theater, one person might say to their friend, “Shh, the movie is starting.”
A parent might use a finger to their lips and say, “Shh, the baby is sleeping.”

15. Quiet as a mouse

This phrase is used to describe someone or something that is very quiet or makes very little noise. It is often used to emphasize the absence of noise.

For example, if someone is sneaking around, you might say, “Be quiet as a mouse.”
In a library, a librarian might remind patrons to be “quiet as a mouse.”
A person might describe a peaceful night by saying, “The house was quiet as a mouse.”

16. Mute

To mute means to make someone or something silent or to be silent oneself. It can refer to reducing the volume of sound or to completely silencing it.

For example, a teacher might say, “Please mute your phones during class.”
In a video conference, a participant might ask, “Can everyone please mute themselves?”
A parent might tell their child, “Mute the TV while we have dinner.”

17. Still

To be still means to be quiet or to make little to no movement. It can refer to a lack of noise or commotion.

For instance, a librarian might say, “Please be still in the library.”
If someone is being loud, you might say, “Can you please be still for a moment?”
A teacher might ask their students, “Can you be still and listen to the instructions?”

18. Hush

To hush means to make someone or something quiet, often by telling them to be quiet or by using a gentle shushing sound. It can also refer to a state of silence or a request for silence.

For example, a parent might say, “Hush, the baby is sleeping.”
If someone is talking too loudly, you might say, “Hush, we’re in a library.”
A person might say, “Hush, I’m trying to concentrate.”

19. Settle down

To settle down means to become quiet and calm, usually after being excited or agitated. It can refer to both physical and emotional quietness.

For instance, a teacher might say, “Settle down, class. It’s time to start the lesson.”
If a child is being rowdy, a parent might say, “Settle down and behave.”
A person might tell themselves, “I need to settle down and relax.”

20. Tranquilize

To tranquilize means to make someone or something calm, peaceful, or quiet. It can refer to both physical and emotional quietness.

For example, a massage therapist might say, “Let me tranquilize your muscles with this soothing massage.”
If someone is feeling anxious, a friend might say, “Take deep breaths to tranquilize your mind.”
A person might use calming music to tranquilize their surroundings.

21. Chill out

This phrase is used to tell someone to calm down or become less agitated. It is often used in a casual or friendly manner.

For example, if someone is getting worked up over a minor issue, you might say, “Hey, chill out! It’s not a big deal.”
In a stressful situation, someone might say, “I need to take a few deep breaths and just chill out.”
If someone is being overly intense or serious, you could say, “Why don’t you chill out and have some fun?”

22. Clam up

To “clam up” means to suddenly become quiet or stop talking, often due to feeling uncomfortable or not wanting to share information.

For instance, if someone asks a personal question and you don’t want to answer, you might “clam up” and refuse to respond.
In a tense situation, someone might “clam up” and avoid speaking to avoid making things worse.
If someone is being secretive or evasive, you could say, “Why are you clamming up? Just tell us what’s going on.”

23. Hush up

This phrase is used to tell someone to stop talking or make less noise. It is often used in a more forceful or impatient manner.

For example, if someone is being loud and disruptive, you might say, “Hush up! People are trying to concentrate.”
If someone is gossiping or spreading rumors, you could say, “Hush up already! You’re just causing drama.”
In a movie theater, someone might say, “Hush up and let’s enjoy the film.”

24. Be still

To “be still” means to stay quiet and not make any noise or movement. It is often used as a command or request.

For instance, if a child is being too energetic and noisy, you might say, “Be still and listen to me.”
In a tense moment, someone might say, “Everyone, be still! We need to assess the situation.”
If someone is fidgeting or restless, you could say, “Be still for a moment and focus on your breathing.”

25. Silence is golden

This phrase means that it is often better to remain silent or not speak, especially in certain situations where speaking could cause problems or make things worse.

For example, if someone is about to say something hurtful or offensive, you might say, “Remember, silence is golden.”
In a meeting or negotiation, someone might say, “Let’s observe a moment of silence. Sometimes, silence can speak volumes.”
If someone is constantly talking and not listening, you could say, “Silence is golden. Take a break and let someone else speak.”

26. Peace and quiet

This phrase refers to a state of calm and silence, often used to describe a peaceful environment or a moment of relaxation.

For example, “I just want some peace and quiet after a long day at work.”
A parent might say, “I finally got the kids to bed, now I can enjoy some peace and quiet.”
Someone might ask, “Can we please have some peace and quiet in here? I’m trying to concentrate.”

27. Shut it

This phrase is a direct and informal way of telling someone to stop talking or making noise.

For instance, a teacher might say to a noisy classroom, “Everyone, shut it and pay attention.”
A parent might say to their child, “Shut it and go to your room.”
In a heated argument, one person might yell, “Just shut it! I don’t want to hear another word from you.”

28. Be quiet as a mouse

This phrase means to be extremely quiet or make no noise at all, comparing someone’s quietness to that of a mouse.

For example, “I need you to be as quiet as a mouse while I make this important phone call.”
A librarian might remind patrons, “Please be quiet as a mouse in the library.”
A person might say, “I snuck into the house last night and was as quiet as a mouse so I wouldn’t wake anyone up.”

29. Quiet as a church mouse

This phrase also means to be very quiet, emphasizing the silence of a mouse in a church setting. It is often used to describe someone who is being exceptionally quiet.

For instance, “During the movie, the audience was as quiet as church mice.”
A teacher might say to a rowdy classroom, “I expect you all to be quiet as church mice during the test.”
A parent might say to their child, “You need to be quiet as a church mouse while we’re in the museum.”

30. Softly, softly

This phrase is used to encourage someone to be gentle and quiet in their actions or approach to a situation.

For example, a parent might say to their child, “When you’re playing with the baby, remember to go softly, softly.”
In a tense situation, someone might advise, “Let’s handle this softly, softly to avoid any unnecessary conflicts.”
A manager might tell their team, “We need to approach this project softly, softly to avoid disrupting other departments.”

31. Keep your trap shut

This phrase is used to tell someone to stop talking or to keep quiet. It can be seen as a slightly harsh or rude way of asking someone to be quiet.

For example, a teacher might say to a noisy student, “Keep your trap shut and pay attention.”
A parent might tell their child, “If you can’t say anything nice, just keep your trap shut.”
In a movie, a character might say to their friend, “We need to stay quiet and keep our trap shut if we want to avoid getting caught.”

32. Keep a lid on it

This phrase means to keep something a secret or to not talk about it. It can be used to ask someone to keep quiet about a particular topic or to not reveal information.

For instance, if someone is about to share a secret, you might say, “Hey, keep a lid on it. We don’t want everyone to know.”
In a workplace setting, a manager might say to an employee, “We’re working on a new project, but please keep a lid on it until we’re ready to announce.”
A friend might say to another friend, “I heard some gossip, but I promised to keep a lid on it.”

33. Not a peep

This phrase means complete silence or the absence of any noise. It is often used to describe a situation where there is no sound at all.

For example, if a group of people is waiting for an important announcement, someone might say, “Not a peep, everyone. Let’s listen carefully.”
In a library, a librarian might remind patrons, “Please keep it down. Not a peep.”
A parent might say to their child, “I want you to go to bed and not make a peep. It’s already past your bedtime.”

34. Dead quiet

This phrase means absolute silence or a complete absence of any noise. It is used to describe a situation where there is no sound at all.

For instance, if someone enters a room and it is completely silent, they might say, “It’s dead quiet in here.”
In a horror movie, a character might say, “The house was so quiet, you could hear a pin drop. It was eerie.”
A hiker exploring a remote area might comment, “The forest was dead quiet, as if all the animals were hiding.”

35. Muzzle

This term can be used to refer to keeping someone or something quiet or restrained. It can also be used to describe putting a physical muzzle on an animal to prevent it from making noise.

For example, if someone is talking too much, you might say, “Someone needs to muzzle that guy.”
In a political context, a journalist might say, “The government is trying to muzzle the press and control the flow of information.”
A dog trainer might use a muzzle on a dog to prevent it from barking or biting.

36. Zipper lip

This slang refers to the act of remaining silent or keeping quiet. It is often used to indicate that someone should not speak or reveal information.

For example, a teacher might say to a noisy classroom, “Alright, everyone zip your lips and focus on your work.”
In a confidential meeting, a manager might remind employees, “Remember, what happens in this room, stays in this room. Zipper lip.”
A parent might tell their child, “Zipper lip about the surprise party for grandma. We don’t want her to find out.”

37. Mum

This slang term means to be silent or keep quiet. It is often used as a command or request for someone to stop talking or making noise.

For instance, a librarian might say to a group of noisy patrons, “Shh, everyone, mum in the library please.”
In a movie theater, a person might ask their friend, “Can you mum during the movie? I want to hear the dialogue.”
A teacher might tell a chatty student, “Enough talking, it’s time to mum and listen.”

38. Mumsy

This slang term describes someone who is quiet and reserved. It is often used to refer to a person’s demeanor or behavior.

For example, a friend might describe someone as, “She’s always been a bit mumsy, preferring to listen rather than speak.”
In a group discussion, someone might say, “Let’s hear from the mumsy ones who haven’t shared their thoughts yet.”
A co-worker might comment, “He may seem mumsy, but when he speaks up, everyone listens.”