Mudo

Mudo (from Spanish, meaning 'mute' or 'silent') is a term used to describe a state of communicative silence, often characterized by a refusal or inability to speak. This silence can be voluntary, stemming from a conscious choice, or involuntary, resulting from factors such as fear, shock, language barriers, or developmental disabilities. The context significantly impacts the interpretation of mudo, which can range from peaceful introspection to a form of protest or a sign of distress. It represents a lack of verbal interaction, and can also be viewed as a behavior, feeling or a physical state.

Mudo meaning with examples

• The sudden and unexpected death of his grandmother left him mudo for days, unable to process the grief enough to find the words to speak about her. He retreated inward, consumed by sadness.
• After the confrontation with the bully, the child became mudo at school, refusing to answer questions and avoiding social interactions, signaling the severity of the experience.
• During the performance art piece, the artist remained deliberately mudo throughout, using the power of silence to provoke the audience and force them to interpret the narrative visually.
• In the heated negotiation, the union representative went mudo, communicating a strong message of defiance and the refusal to compromise further, using the silence as a weapon.