use your words
Used by educators or caregivers to encourage an upset child to express the problem verbally instead of misbehaving physically.
Etymology timeline
Born ~2010 · 1 year of recorded useSeen in the wild
Hitler had no obligation to see things the same way as you, or to use your words to describe them. To insult him for not doing so, as the I did, is juvenile. /s
How is, to use your words, "removing a criminal authoritarian" from power not the responsibility of the Attorney General? You used the word "criminal" in there, you acknowledge this is about breaking the law.
I just need ‘is this what you wanted?’ whispered in my ear. With a side of ‘you like that don’t you?’ and a dash of ‘Look at me and use your words babygirl’
Grew up hearing “use your words” Too many grew up not learning to use their ears.
Definitions
Used by educators or caregivers to encourage an upset child to express the problem verbally instead of misbehaving physically.
“Hitler had no obligation to see things the same way as you, or to use your words to describe them. To insult him for not doing so, as the I did, is juvenile. /s”
— Bluesky· May 2026
Comments
(by extension, internet slang, derogatory) Used to mock or criticize a person perceived as being overemotional.
"use your words" is a strong or offensive slang term meaning used to mock or criticize a person perceived as being overemotional. Teens often use words like this for shock value or to bond with peers, without fully appreciating who could be hurt by them. The concern is less the word itself and more whether it is aimed at a particular person or group. A short, matter-of-fact conversation about who hears these words and how they land is usually more effective than banning the word outright.
"use your words" is highly informal and vulgar English meaning used to mock or criticize a person perceived as being overemotional. It is used widely across English varieties. A more formal or neutral equivalent would be something like "used to mock or criticize a person perceived as being overemotional" expressed in standard vocabulary. A common mistake for non-native speakers is to use "use your words" thinking it is neutral; in fact it is rude and can offend, so avoid it in writing or in any professional setting.
“How is, to use your words, "removing a criminal authoritarian" from power not the responsibility of the Attorney General? You used the word "criminal" in there, you acknowledge this is about breaking the law.”
— Bluesky· May 2026“I just need ‘is this what you wanted?’ whispered in my ear. With a side of ‘you like that don’t you?’ and a dash of ‘Look at me and use your words babygirl’”
— Bluesky· May 2026“Grew up hearing “use your words” Too many grew up not learning to use their ears.”
— Bluesky· May 2026
Comments
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