English

Noun

civil tongue

1. (idiomatic) A polite manner of speaking.
   • 1855, Charlotte M. Yonge, The Lances Of Lynwood, ch. 3:

     "[T]here would not have been the least offence had the youth only possessed a civil tongue."

   • 1915, Zane Grey, The Lone Star Ranger, ch. 4:

     "Mister Duane," began Bosomer, in low, stinging tones, "I happen to be Luke Stevens's side-pardner. . . . An' I want the hoss an' them guns," he shouted.

     "You or anybody else can have them, for all I care. I just fetched them in. But the pack is mine," replied Duane. "And say, I befriended your pard. If you can't use a civil tongue you'd better cinch it."

   • 2014, Michael Fitzalan, The Gunpowder Plot and Markham, ISBN 9781326015121, p. 30 (Google preview):

     They sang "good morrow" in reply, making sure they addressed him with a civil tongue; they, after all, wanted a tip for their good service.

Usage notes

• Usually used in the expression keep a civil tongue in one's head.

Derived terms

• keep a civil tongue in one's head