WordGarden.iounmentionable
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌnmˈɛnʃənəbəl/
US
- /ənˈmɛnʃənəbəl/
Meanings
Adjective
too embarrassing, offensive, or taboo to mention directly
Noun
an item of underwear, especially in euphemistic use
Beyond the definition
Something "unmentionable" is a topic so delicate, embarrassing, or shocking that people avoid discussing it. It's not just something people do not talk about; it's something seen as inappropriate or even forbidden to mention in polite company. Think of Victorian England, where certain bodily functions or undergarments were largely unmentionable—topics pushed aside to keep up an image of good manners.
The context often matters. What is unmentionable can change with time and culture. A family tragedy might be an unmentionable sorrow for years after it happens, or a political scandal could create an unmentionable truth that everyone knows but no one dares address openly. Sometimes, the word is used as a euphemism; historically, the plural "unmentionables" was a common way to refer to underwear without having to name the garments directly.
The word "unmentionable" describes something considered too sensitive, embarrassing, shocking, or taboo to be spoken about. It implies a deliberate avoidance of the topic, often due to social norms, personal discomfort, or deeply held beliefs. It's more than just silence; it's an active refusal to acknowledge something through speech.
Historically, "unmentionable" was frequently used in relation to subjects considered improper for polite conversation—things like illness, death, bodily functions, or sexual matters. Victorian society, known for its strict social codes, had a long list of unmentionable topics. Writers of that period often hinted at these unspoken realities through implication and subtext rather than direct description. This era also popularized the noun "unmentionables" as a modest way to refer to undergarments or trousers.
However, the meaning extends beyond historical taboos. An "unmentionable" subject can also be a painful memory that someone refuses to revisit, a secret shame, or an uncomfortable truth that threatens social harmony. For example: "Their family's financial ruin was an unmentionable topic at holiday gatherings."
Sometimes, it is used ironically to describe something shockingly unpleasant or a crime against taste—such as an "unmentionable" shade of paint or an "unmentionable" meal. In these cases, the speaker implies the object is so bad it doesn't deserve the breath required to name it. Whether it's a deeply sensitive issue or a remarkably hideous detail, "unmentionable" signals something that remains unspoken, hidden beneath layers of social convention, personal pain, or collective denial.
Examples
- 1
Personal conflict
After the argument, his ex's name was practically unmentionable in the house.
- 2
Workplace taboo
In that company, asking about people's salaries was treated as an unmentionable topic.
- 3
Clothing euphemism
She packed a few shirts, some socks, and her unmentionables in a small overnight bag.
- Usageunmentionables
underwear; humorous and old-fashioned
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- off-limits
- indecent
- unprintable
Contrast
- mentionable
- discussable
Used with (collocations)
- an unmentionable subject
- too unmentionable to discuss
Word family
Explore
- taboo topic
- euphemism
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- unmentionablenounadjective
Forms
- unmentionablespluralnounadjective