blurt out
blert OUT
/blɜːt aʊt/
To say something suddenly and without thinking, usually because you are excited or nervous.
Often involves revealing a secret or saying something embarrassing.
The story behind the word. The word 'blurt' is likely onomatopoeic, mimicking the sound of a sudden burst of air or sound. It appeared in the 1500s to describe a sudden, contemptuous sound.
Word relationships
- exclaim: 'Exclaim' is more about volume and emotion, while 'blurt out' is about lack of control.
- withhold: To deliberately keep information to oneself.
Commonly confused with
- let slip: 'Let slip' is accidental but usually quieter; 'blurt out' is often sudden and loud.
Collocations
- blurt out a secret
- blurt out an answer
- blurt out the truth
Example sentences
- "She was so excited that she blurted out the news before she was supposed to." A secret revealed.
- "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to blurt out your secret in front of everyone." A nervous confession.
Memory hook
Think of a 'burst' of words that you couldn't stop. Sudden burst, no filter.
When not to use
Don't use it for a planned speech; it must be impulsive.
Fun facts
- The word 'blurt' was once used as a noun to mean 'a sudden start'.
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