Mum’s the wordWhy do I need to know Motus et bouche cousue? Because you might be told something in confidence – and this phrase is the clue. Motus et bouche cousue – pronounced mow-toos eh boosh coozoo – literally translates as 'Hush! Rather like Thomson and Thompson (or Dupond et Dupont, as they’re known in France). Motus et bouche cousue !