Because they cannot defend themselves.
Some common phrases using the word speak are: on (or not on) speaking terms with someone; speak English, speak ill of someone; speak ill of the dead; speak in rhymes; speak no good of someone; speak of the dead; speak no evil; speak out; speak softly and carry a big stick; speak the truth; speak truth to power; speak to me; speak up; think before you speak
this dates back to the medival ages when it was believed that the dead could come back in spiritual form, aka, ghosts. to speak ill of the dead would mean that the dead would cause you to be haunted and cursed. It can also mean other things, like, 'what's done is done'.
7th Heaven - 1996 Don't Speak Ill of the Living or the Dead 8-15 was released on: USA: 9 February 2004 Hungary: 4 May 2006
Well, hopefully good things, as it's a bit of a taboo to "speak ill of the dead".
To speak - as in, he was too ill to speak
It is not wrong to date someone older than you although society may speak ill of it. However, do make sure you share a similar level of maturity for a good relationship.
Brezhnev
The prefix of "ill gotten" is "ill," which means harmful or morally wrong.
You would really have to know for a certain fact as that would be quite the accusation. Speak with them and tell them what they are doing is wrong and it has to stop.
That's the rumor but you know what happens to people who speak ill of the dead!
no, she is dead
I am well! The dead will be slow to answer - if they bother at all!