Idiom / PhraseSayings & Idioms

Nineteen to the Dozen

[neyn-teen too thuh duhz-uhn]

Pan-Diaspora· 18th-century English idiom enthusiastically preserved in Anglo-Indian storytelling

Also spelled: talking non-stop, chattering fast

Community Definitions1

Definition #1

Speaking at tremendous speed, animatedly, and without pause, especially when exchanging neighborhood news or family gossip.

“Once Aunty Gladys and Mum sat down together on the veranda, they were jabbering nineteen to the dozen about the church bazaar.”

Contributed by Pepperwater

Oct 18, 2026

A pious, habitual caveat appended to any statement about future travel, appointments, or gatherings, acknowledging providence.

Dragging out a conversation unnecessarily, exaggerating every detail, or blabbing endlessly when a quick concise answer is wanted.

Vulgar, disrespectful, or foul language typical of brawl-prone drinkers at a local country liquor tavern.