Hablar por los codos

to talk nineteen to the dozen; **to talk nineteen to the dozen** (British English); **to talk someone's ear off**; **to chatter away**; **to never stop talking**; **to be a chatterbox**

Hablar por los codos means to talk incessantly, chatter away or talk nineteen to the dozen.

It refers to people who speak a great deal, often without giving others much chance to participate.

Unlike some similar expressions, it does not necessarily imply saying inappropriate things—only talking excessively.

• talks constantly
• dominates every conversation
• tells long stories
• chatters without stopping
• is naturally very talkative

Behind it lies a straightforward physical image that speakers recognise at once.

The expression is based on obvious exaggeration.

By saying that someone even speaks "through their elbows," Spanish humorously suggests that words seem to come from every part of their body because they talk so much.

The absurdity of the image is precisely what makes the idiom memorable.

The expression is often affectionate rather than critical.

Parents, friends and relatives frequently describe naturally talkative people this way.

However, depending on tone, it can also imply that someone talks too much and should listen more.

Spanish has many expressions describing different ways of speaking:

• Hablar por los codos → to talk non-stop.
• Irse de la lengua → to let something slip.
• No tener pelos en la lengua → to speak one's mind.
• Quedarse sin palabras → to be speechless.

Among them, hablar por los codos is the most neutral, since it describes quantity of speech rather than honesty, discretion or tact.

Do not translate the expression literally.

English speakers would never say:

She talks through her elbows.

Instead, use expressions such as:

• She never stops talking.
• He talks nineteen to the dozen.
• She talks your ear off.
• He's a real chatterbox.

Choose the translation according to the level of formality.