"be silent," 1560s, from Middle English mum, mom (late 14c.), inarticulate closed-mouth sound, indicative of unwillingness or inability to speak. As an adjective meaning "secret" from 1520s. Phrase mum's the word is first recorded 1704.
mum (n.1)
abbreviation of chrysanthemum, first attested 1915 in the jargon of gardeners.
mum (n.2)
pet word for "mother," 1823, short for mummy (see mamma). In British sociology, used from 1957 in reference to "the working class mother as an influence in the lives of her children." Also sometimes a vulgar corruption of madam.
权威例句
1. In some cases there is a mini-mum age limit.
有些情况下有最低年龄限制。
2. She scribbled a note to tell Mum she'dgone out.
她匆匆写了个便条告诉妈妈她已外出。
3. He is keeping mum about his feelings on the matter.
他闭口不谈他对此事的个人感受。
4. I've asked Mum to sit for us next Saturday.
我已经拜托妈妈下周六为我们临时照看一下孩子。
5. There are plenty of plus points about being an older first-time mum.