talk like a book

== English == === Etymology === From the fact that the written language used in books is generally more formal than spoken language. === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˌtɔːk laɪk‿ə ˈbʊk/ (General American) IPA(key): /ˌtɔk laɪk‿ə ˈbʊk/, /tɑk-/ Rhymes: -ʊk === Verb === talk like a book (third-person singular simple present talks like a book, present participle talking like a book, simple past and past participle talked like a book) (simile, informal) To talk pedantically, or using excessively difficult or literary words. Synonym: speak like a book (simile, informal) To talk precisely and with authority. ==== Related terms ==== talk like an apothecary ==== Translations ==== === Further reading === “to speak (also talk) like a book” under “book, n.”, in OED Online ⁠, Oxford: Oxford University Press, June 2022.