Top 53 Slang For Silence – Meaning & Usage

Silence speaks volumes, and sometimes, words are not needed to convey a message. In a world filled with noise, knowing the right slang for silence can be a powerful tool. Join us as we unveil a collection of terms that capture the essence of quiet moments and the art of saying nothing at all. Get ready to add some new phrases to your vocabulary and embrace the beauty of silence in a whole new light.

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1. Zip it

This slang phrase is a direct command to someone to stop talking or to keep quiet. It is often used in a playful or lighthearted manner.

For example, a parent might say to their chatty child, “Zip it and let your brother speak.”
In a meeting, a coworker might tell a talkative colleague, “Zip it, we need to focus on the task at hand.”
A friend might jokingly say to another friend, “Zip it, I’m trying to watch this movie in peace.”

2. Shut your trap

This slang phrase is a more aggressive way of telling someone to be quiet or stop talking. It is often used in a confrontational or irritated manner.

For instance, during an argument, one person might yell at the other, “Shut your trap and listen to me!”
In a noisy classroom, a teacher might sternly say to a disruptive student, “Shut your trap and pay attention.”
A frustrated parent might say to their teenager, “Shut your trap and do your chores.”

3. Hold your tongue

This slang phrase is a polite way of asking someone to remain silent or not say anything. It is often used when someone wants to avoid conflict or keep the peace.

For example, during a tense family dinner, one family member might say to another, “Let’s just hold our tongues and enjoy the meal.”
In a meeting, a coworker might suggest, “We should hold our tongues until we have all the facts.”
A friend might advise another friend, “Hold your tongue when your boss is in a bad mood.”

4. Put a sock in it

This slang phrase is a humorous way of telling someone to stop talking or be quiet. It is often used in a light-hearted or joking manner.

For instance, during a loud party, one person might shout, “Put a sock in it, I can’t hear myself think!”
In a movie theater, a frustrated viewer might whisper to a talkative moviegoer, “Put a sock in it, people are trying to watch the film.”
A sibling might playfully say to their brother or sister, “Put a sock in it, I’m trying to study.”

5. Keep mum

This slang phrase is a more old-fashioned way of telling someone to stay quiet or keep their thoughts to themselves. It is often used in a nostalgic or whimsical manner.

For example, a grandparent might say to their grandchild, “Keep mum about the surprise party, it’s a secret.”
In a historical novel, a character might be warned, “Keep mum about the hidden treasure, or everyone will want a piece.”
A friend might advise another friend, “Keep mum about your crush, it’s more fun that way.”

6. Button it

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

For example, a teacher might say to a noisy classroom, “Button it, everyone! We need to focus.”
In a heated argument, one person might yell, “Button it! I’ve had enough of your nonsense.”
A parent might tell their child, “Button it and go to bed. It’s past your bedtime.”

7. Hush up

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

For instance, if someone is talking too much during a movie, another person might say, “Hush up, I can’t hear the dialogue.”
In a group conversation, someone might say, “Hush up, let me finish my story.”
A sibling might tell their annoying brother or sister, “Hush up, you’re getting on my nerves.”

8. Pipe down

This phrase is used to tell someone to be quiet or to lower their voice. It is a more informal way of asking someone to be silent.

For example, if a group of friends is being too loud, one person might say, “Pipe down, we’re in a library.”
In a classroom, a teacher might tell a chatty student, “Pipe down and pay attention.”
A parent might say to their children, “Pipe down, I’m on an important phone call.”

9. Zip your lips

This phrase is used to tell someone to keep their mouth closed and not speak. It is a playful and lighthearted way of asking someone to be silent.

For instance, if someone is about to reveal a surprise, another person might say, “Zip your lips, don’t spoil it.”
In a secret meeting, someone might say, “Zip your lips, we can’t let anyone know about this.”
A friend might jokingly tell their talkative friend, “Zip your lips, I need a break from your stories.”

10. Hold your peace

This phrase is often used in a formal setting, such as a wedding ceremony, to ask if anyone has any objections or comments. It is a way of asking everyone to remain silent and not speak up.

For example, during a wedding ceremony, the officiant might say, “If anyone has any objections, speak now or hold your peace.”
In a meeting, someone might say, “Hold your peace until everyone has had a chance to speak.”
A mediator might instruct both parties, “Hold your peace and let the other person finish speaking.”

11. Hold your horses

This phrase is used to tell someone to be patient or wait before taking action. It is often used to ask someone to slow down or not rush into something.

For example, if someone is eager to start a project, you might say, “Hold your horses, we need to plan it properly first.”
In a conversation about making impulsive decisions, someone might say, “Sometimes it’s better to hold your horses and think things through.”
A parent might use this phrase to tell their child to wait before opening a gift, saying, “Hold your horses, we’ll all open the presents together.”

12. Silence is golden

This phrase means that staying quiet or not speaking can be more valuable or beneficial than speaking. It suggests that sometimes it is better to remain silent instead of saying something that could cause trouble or harm.

For instance, if someone is gossiping about someone else, you might say, “Remember, silence is golden.”
In a discussion about secrets, someone might say, “In some situations, it’s best to keep quiet and remember that silence is golden.”
A teacher might use this phrase to remind their students to listen attentively, saying, “Class, remember that during tests, silence is golden.”

13. Hush-hush

This term refers to something that is kept secret or confidential. It implies that information or activities are not meant to be shared or discussed openly.

For example, if someone asks about a surprise party, you might say, “It’s hush-hush, don’t tell anyone.”
In a conversation about classified information, someone might say, “Certain government operations are hush-hush and not meant for public knowledge.”
A journalist might use this term when referring to a confidential source, saying, “The identity of the whistleblower remains hush-hush.”

14. Keep it down

This phrase is used to ask someone to be quiet or lower the volume of their voice or noise. It is often used in situations where there is too much noise or when someone is being too loud.

For instance, if people are talking loudly in a library, a librarian might say, “Please, keep it down.”
In a discussion about noisy neighbors, someone might say, “I had to ask them to keep it down several times.”
A parent might use this phrase to tell their children to lower the volume of their music, saying, “Kids, keep it down, I’m trying to work.”

15. Put a lid on it

This phrase is used to tell someone to stop talking or be quiet. It is often used when someone is being too talkative or saying something that should not be said.

For example, if someone is revealing sensitive information, you might say, “Put a lid on it, we don’t want everyone to know.”
In a conversation about someone gossiping, someone might say, “That person needs to put a lid on it and mind their own business.”
A teacher might use this phrase to quiet a noisy classroom, saying, “Put a lid on it, class, and let’s focus on the lesson.”

16. Button your lip

This phrase is used to tell someone to be quiet or stop talking. It is a more informal and playful way to ask someone to be silent.

For example, a parent might say to their child, “Button your lip and let your sister finish her story.”
In a meeting, someone might say, “We need to button our lips and let the presenter speak.”
A friend might jokingly say, “Button your lip before you say something you’ll regret.”

17. Shh

“Shh” is an onomatopoeic word used to signal for quiet or silence. It is often used in situations where speaking or noise is disruptive or unwanted.

For instance, a librarian might say, “Shh, please keep your voices down in the library.”
In a movie theater, someone might shush a noisy moviegoer by saying, “Shh, we’re trying to watch the movie.”
A parent might use “shh” to calm a crying baby by gently saying,“shh” to calm a crying baby by gently saying, “Shh, it’s okay, mommy’s here.”

18. Zip your lip

This phrase is used to tell someone to keep their mouth closed or stop talking. It is a more direct and firm way of asking someone to be silent.

For example, a teacher might say to a talkative student, “Zip your lip and pay attention.”
In a confidential conversation, someone might say, “We need to zip our lips and keep this information to ourselves.”
A supervisor might use this phrase to reprimand an employee for gossiping by saying, “Zip your lip and focus on your work.”

19. Keep it zipped

This phrase is similar to “zip your lip” and is used to tell someone to keep their mouth closed or stop talking. It is a more casual and colloquial way of asking someone to be silent.

For instance, a friend might say to another friend who is revealing a secret, “Hey, keep it zipped, we promised not to tell.”
In a classroom, a teacher might remind students to keep it zipped during a test by saying, “Remember, no talking during the exam.”
A parent might use this phrase to remind their child to keep it zipped during a family gathering by saying, “Behave and keep it zipped, we’re guests.”

20. Zipper your mouth

This phrase is another variation of “keep your mouth closed” or “stop talking.” It uses the imagery of a zipper to convey the idea of closing one’s mouth.

For example, a coach might tell their players to zipper their mouths during a game to maintain focus.
In a sensitive discussion, someone might say, “Let’s zipper our mouths and listen to what the other person has to say.”
A teacher might use this phrase to remind a chatty student to zipper their mouth during a lesson by saying, “Zipper your mouth and listen, please.”

21. Keep schtum

This slang phrase means to remain silent or keep quiet about something. It is often used to indicate secrecy or to keep information confidential.

For example, “I can’t believe he knows about the surprise party, but he’s keeping schtum.”
In a discussion about a secret plan, someone might say, “We need to keep schtum about this until the right moment.”
A friend might tell you, “If you want to avoid trouble, just keep schtum and don’t say anything.”

22. Be still

This phrase simply means to not make any noise or speak. It is often used to request silence or to calm someone down.

For instance, a parent might say to a noisy child, “Be still and listen to the teacher.”
In a library, a librarian might remind people, “Please be still and keep your voices down.”
A meditation instructor might instruct their students, “Focus on your breath and be still in your mind.”

23. Keep your trap shut

This slang phrase means to not speak or keep one’s mouth shut. It is often used in a slightly harsh or humorous way to tell someone to stop talking or to keep a secret.

For example, a teacher might scold a chatty student, “Keep your trap shut and pay attention.”
In a conversation about a surprise party, someone might say, “We need to keep our trap shut so they don’t find out.”
A friend might jokingly say, “If you can’t keep your trap shut, I won’t tell you any more secrets.”

24. Hold your breath

This phrase is used to tell someone to stop speaking or making noise. It can also be used figuratively to mean to wait in anticipation or suspense.

For instance, a parent might say to a child misbehaving, “Hold your breath and count to ten.”
In a suspenseful movie scene, a character might say, “Hold your breath, the killer is about to reveal themselves.”
A friend might say, “Hold your breath, I’m about to tell you something shocking.”

25. Keep a lid on it

This phrase means to keep something hidden or secret, often by not talking about it or revealing information.

For example, a boss might tell an employee, “Keep a lid on it until we make an official announcement.”
In a discussion about a surprise party, someone might say, “We need to keep a lid on it so they don’t find out.”
A friend might warn you, “If you want to avoid drama, just keep a lid on it and don’t share that rumor.”

26. Keep your mouth shut

This phrase is used to tell someone to stop talking or to keep their thoughts to themselves. It implies that they should not reveal any information or opinions.

For example, a teacher might say to a chatty student, “Keep your mouth shut and listen to the lecture.”
In a secret meeting, one person might warn another, “If you want to stay safe, keep your mouth shut.”
A parent might scold their child, “If you can’t say anything nice, just keep your mouth shut.”

27. Hold your noise

This phrase is a more old-fashioned way of telling someone to be quiet. “Noise” refers to any sound, so “hold your noise” means to stop making noise or talking.

For instance, a librarian might say to a noisy patron, “Hold your noise, or I’ll have to ask you to leave.”
In a crowded theater, one person might shush another and say, “Hold your noise, the movie is starting.”
A teacher might say to a rowdy classroom, “I need you all to hold your noise so we can start the test.”

28. Keep your gob shut

This phrase is a more informal way of telling someone to keep quiet. “Gob” is slang for mouth, so “keep your gob shut” means to keep your mouth closed and not speak.

For example, a friend might say to another who is about to reveal a secret, “Keep your gob shut, don’t spoil the surprise.”
In a tense situation, someone might warn another, “If you don’t want trouble, keep your gob shut.”
A parent might scold their child, “I don’t want to hear any more excuses, just keep your gob shut and do your homework.”

29. Keep your yap shut

This phrase is a more casual way of telling someone to stop talking or to not speak at all. “Yap” is slang for mouth, so “keep your yap shut” means to keep your mouth closed and not utter a word.

For instance, a boss might say to an employee who is complaining, “Keep your yap shut and get back to work.”
In a heated argument, one person might shout at the other, “If you want to avoid a fight, keep your yap shut.”
A teacher might reprimand a talkative student, “I’ve had enough of your disruptions, just keep your yap shut and let others learn.”

30. Keep your cakehole shut

This phrase is a more humorous and playful way of telling someone to be quiet. “Cakehole” is slang for mouth, so “keep your cakehole shut” means to keep your mouth closed and not speak.

For example, a comedian might say to an unruly audience member, “Hey, keep your cakehole shut and let me finish my joke.”
In a friendly banter, one person might playfully tell another, “You talk too much, just keep your cakehole shut for once.”
A parent might jokingly scold their child, “If you don’t want to eat your vegetables, fine, but keep your cakehole shut about it.”

31. Hold your gob

This phrase is a slang expression used to tell someone to keep quiet or be silent. “Gob” is a colloquial term for mouth or throat.

For example, a teacher might say to a noisy student, “Hold your gob and listen to what I’m saying.”
In a conversation, one person might say to another, “Hold your gob and let me finish my story.”
A parent might tell their child, “Hold your gob during the movie so we can hear what’s happening.”

32. Keep your trap buttoned

This phrase is a slang expression used to tell someone to keep their mouth shut or not speak. “Trap” is a colloquial term for mouth.

For instance, a boss might say to an employee, “Keep your trap buttoned and get back to work.”
In a group discussion, one person might jokingly say to another, “Hey, keep your trap buttoned and let someone else speak.”
A friend might say to their friend, “Keep your trap buttoned about the surprise party so it doesn’t get ruined.”

33. Hold your mug

This phrase is a slang expression used to tell someone to stay quiet or be silent. “Mug” is a colloquial term for face or mouth.

For example, a teacher might say to a chatty student, “Hold your mug and pay attention.”
In a meeting, one person might say to another, “Hold your mug and let me finish my presentation.”
A parent might tell their child, “Hold your mug during the movie so we can all enjoy it.”

34. Keep your kisser shut

This phrase is a slang expression used to tell someone to keep their mouth closed or not speak. “Kisser” is a colloquial term for mouth or face.

For instance, a supervisor might say to an employee, “Keep your kisser shut and focus on your work.”
In a conversation, one person might playfully say to another, “Hey, keep your kisser shut and let me finish my story.”
A sibling might tell their sibling, “Keep your kisser shut about the surprise party so it stays a secret.”

35. Hold your yap

This phrase is a slang expression used to tell someone to be quiet or stop talking. “Yap” is a colloquial term for mouth or talk.

For example, a teacher might say to a talkative student, “Hold your yap and listen to what I’m saying.”
In a group discussion, one person might say to another, “Hold your yap and let someone else share their opinion.”
A parent might tell their child, “Hold your yap during the movie so we can all hear the dialogue.”

36. Keep your trap closed

This phrase is used to tell someone to stop talking or to keep quiet. “Trap” is slang for mouth or lips.

For example, a teacher might say to a chatty student, “Keep your trap closed during class.”
A parent might scold a child, “I’ve had enough of your backtalk. Keep your trap closed.”
In a movie, a character might threaten another, “If you don’t want trouble, I suggest you keep your trap closed.”

37. Hold your whist

This phrase is a variation of “hold your tongue” and is used to tell someone to be quiet or to stop talking. “Whist” is an old-fashioned word for silence or quietness.

For instance, a librarian might say to noisy patrons, “Hold your whist, please. This is a library.”
A friend might jokingly say to someone talking too much, “Hold your whist, we’ve heard enough.”
In a serious situation, someone might command, “Hold your whist and listen carefully.”

38. Keep your gob buttoned

This phrase is a colorful way of telling someone to keep quiet or stop talking. “Gob” is slang for mouth.

For example, a boss might say to an employee, “Keep your gob buttoned during the meeting.”
A parent might warn a child, “If you can’t say something nice, keep your gob buttoned.”
In a group chat, someone might playfully say, “Alright everyone, keep your gob buttoned and let’s get down to business.”

39. Keep your trap zipped

This phrase is a humorous way of telling someone to be quiet or to stop talking. “Trap” is slang for mouth or lips, and “zipped” refers to closing or sealing something.

For instance, a teacher might say to a talkative student, “Keep your trap zipped until it’s your turn to speak.”
A friend might jokingly say to someone who’s revealing a secret, “Keep your trap zipped, we don’t want anyone else to know.”
In a movie, a character might threaten another, “You better keep your trap zipped if you know what’s good for you.”

40. Hold your trap

This phrase is a direct way of telling someone to be quiet or to stop talking. “Trap” is slang for mouth or lips.

For example, a parent might say to a child, “Hold your trap and listen to what I’m saying.”
A teacher might command a noisy classroom, “Hold your traps, everyone. We need to start the lesson.”
In a heated argument, one person might yell at another, “Hold your trap and let me speak!”

41. Hold your lip

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

For example, if someone is talking too much during a movie, you might say, “Hey, hold your lip!”
In a classroom, a teacher might say, “Hold your lip and let others answer.”
A parent might say to their child, “Hold your lip and listen to what I’m saying.”

42. Hold your trap buttoned

This phrase is used to tell someone to keep quiet or not speak. It is a more direct and forceful way of asking someone to remain silent.

For instance, if someone is gossiping and spreading rumors, you might say, “Hold your trap buttoned!”
In a meeting, a manager might say, “Hold your trap buttoned and let others speak.”
A friend might jokingly say to another friend, “Hold your trap buttoned and let me finish my story.”

43. Hold your trap zipped

This phrase is used to tell someone to keep their mouth closed and not speak. It is a more exaggerated and humorous way of asking someone to remain silent.

For example, if someone is interrupting a conversation, you might say, “Hold your trap zipped!”
During a lecture, a professor might say, “Hold your trap zipped and pay attention.”
Two friends might playfully tease each other by saying, “Hold your trap zipped and let me talk for once.”

44. Keep your trap

This phrase is used to tell someone to not talk or to keep quiet. It is a more informal and straightforward way of asking someone to remain silent.

For instance, if someone is revealing a secret, you might say, “Keep your trap!”
In a library, a librarian might say, “Keep your trap and respect the quiet.”
A parent might scold their child, saying, “Keep your trap and listen to what I’m saying.”

45. Hold your trap shut

This phrase is used to tell someone to keep their mouth shut and not speak. It is a more forceful and direct way of asking someone to remain silent.

For example, if someone is being disrespectful, you might say, “Hold your trap shut!”
During a confidential conversation, someone might say, “Hold your trap shut and don’t repeat what I’m about to tell you.”
A teacher might say to a talkative student, “Hold your trap shut and let others participate.”

46. Hush

This term is used to tell someone to be quiet or to stop talking. It is often used in a gentle or soothing manner.

For example, a parent might say to their child, “Hush now, it’s time to go to sleep.”
In a library, a librarian might remind a noisy patron, “Please hush and respect the quiet atmosphere.”
A person might say, “Hush, I’m trying to listen to the speaker.”

47. Shut it

This phrase is a more direct and forceful way of telling someone to be quiet or to stop talking.

For instance, a teacher might say to a disruptive student, “Shut it and pay attention.”
In a heated argument, one person might yell at the other, “Just shut it and listen for once!”
A person might say, “If you can’t say anything nice, just shut it.”

48. Mute

This term is often used to describe someone or something that is silent or does not make any sound.

For example, a person might say, “The remote control is on mute, so we can’t hear the TV.”
In a movie theater, a sign might remind patrons to be mute during the film.
A person might say, “I prefer to stay mute and observe rather than engage in small talk.”

49. Zipped

This term refers to being completely quiet or silent. It implies that one’s lips are figuratively “zipped” or closed.

For instance, a teacher might say to a rowdy class, “Okay, let’s get zipped and focus on our work.”
In a tense situation, someone might say, “Everyone stay zipped, we don’t want to draw attention.”
A person might say, “I zipped my mouth and didn’t say a word during the entire meeting.”

50. Muzzled

This term is often used to describe someone or something that has been silenced or restrained, similar to a dog being fitted with a muzzle to prevent it from barking.

For example, a journalist might say, “The government is trying to keep the press muzzled and prevent them from reporting the truth.”
In a discussion about freedom of speech, someone might argue, “No one should be muzzled and prevented from expressing their opinions.”
A person might say, “I feel muzzled in this relationship, like I can’t speak up or express myself.”

51. Clammed up

When someone “clams up,” they become silent or refuse to speak. It can happen when someone is feeling shy, uncomfortable, or unwilling to share information.

For example, during a police interrogation, a suspect might clam up and refuse to answer any questions.
In a group discussion, someone might clam up if they feel intimidated by the other participants.
A friend might say, “Whenever we ask him about his love life, he clams up and changes the subject.”

52. Tongue-tied

When someone is “tongue-tied,” they are unable to speak or express themselves clearly. It often happens when someone is nervous, surprised, or overwhelmed.

For instance, during a public speaking event, a person might become tongue-tied and struggle to find the right words.
In a romantic situation, someone might become tongue-tied when trying to confess their feelings.
A coworker might say, “I was so tongue-tied during the job interview that I forgot to mention my most relevant experience.”

53. Wordless

When someone is “wordless,” they are without words and silent. It can be a result of shock, awe, or being at a loss for words.

For example, when someone receives surprising news, they might be left wordless for a moment.
In a heated argument, one person might storm off, leaving the other wordless.
A movie critic might say, “The film’s stunning visuals left me completely wordless.”