This means Robert is probably an introvert - a man who keeps most of his thoughts to himself. It could also mean the person in question is not wise - and does not have any meaningful words depending on how you can interpret it. I hope I answered your question in an adequate manner.

Zach is correct . A man of few words is a person who DOES NOT SAY much about anything unless he finds it necessary to speak out, otherwise he rather stay quiet, because it is his nature. A person who does not speak much in ANY occasion can be describe by the adjective "taciturn". > He seemed shy in front of everyone who had met him, but they were all mistaken, because he was not shy but taciturn .

That's an idiom I'm not that thrilled with in English and one I don't use. To me it means that the person (and I have no idea why it has to be a man) is sort of the strong silent type. I don't think it means he doesn't talk much or is shy. I think what it really describes is someone who is direct, and uses few words to express himself because he's sort of the serious type. He doesn't play around with words, or joke around a lot or try to draw attention to himself. The opposite would be someone who is almost childlike and a chatterbox. But again, I think it's an idiom that isn't used much. It's actually a little old-fashioned too. Like something you might hear in a 1950s movie, but not a modern one.

This means that he only talks when he is spoken to, not when he isn't spoken to

it means he is shy and doesnt really talk. Basically it means what it says. a man who speaks few words around others. :)