What is loose lips sink ships?

"Loose lips sink ships" is a phrase that originated during World War II as part of the United States' propaganda campaign aimed at preventing unintentional information leaks. The phrase was used to remind military personnel and civilians of the importance of maintaining secrecy and discretion, especially regarding troop movements and military operations. The concern was that even casual conversations or seemingly innocuous remarks could be overheard by enemy spies and potentially lead to disastrous consequences.

The phrase became widely popular due to its catchy, memorable wording and was featured on numerous posters, pamphlets, and other wartime communication materials. The imagery often included traditional naval or military motifs to reinforce the message.

"Loose lips sink ships" has since entered popular culture and is used more generally to refer to the dangers of careless talk or gossip in compromising sensitive information or situations.