mum

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A child's word for mother.

   My mum makes the best chocolate cake.

2. 2
   adj

   Silent; saying nothing.

   He kept mum about the surprise party.

From Middle English mum or mom (“silent”), reminiscent of the sound made when gagged or with a hand over one's mouth. Perhaps related to dated German Mumme (“mask”).

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