What it means
زباندراز (zabân-derâz) is a compound adjective and noun built from زبان (tongue, language) and دراز (long), both native Persian words. Literally a “long tongue,” it describes someone who speaks out of turn, talks back to elders or authority, or says things that overstep social boundaries. The tone is negative, ranging from mildly annoying to seriously disrespectful depending on context. A related expression is زبانبازی (zabân-bâzi), which leans toward smooth-talking or flattery, while زباندراز specifically implies insolence or lack of restraint.
How to use it
- بچه زباندرازی نباش! (bache zabân-derâzi nabâsh!) “Don’t be such a mouthy kid!”
- با اون زبان درازش همه رو ناراحت کرد. (bâ oon zabân-derâzash hame ro nârâhat kard.) “With that loose mouth of his, he upset everyone.”
- از بچگی زباندراز بود. (az bachegi zabân-derâz bud.) “She’s had a big mouth since she was a child.”
- زبانتو نگه دار، زباندراز! (zabân-eto negah dâr, zabân-derâz!) “Watch your tongue, you insolent person!”
Cultural note
In Iranian social culture, especially in intergenerational settings, knowing when to speak and when to stay quiet is considered a core mark of upbringing and respect (tarbiat). Calling someone زباندراز is a pointed criticism of that upbringing. The insult carries extra weight when directed at younger people speaking to elders, where restraint of speech is a strongly expected norm.