Blabbed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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blabbed

[blæbd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

informal speech

To blabbed means to talk freely or excessively about something, often without considering the consequences. The term usually suggests a lack of discretion, where a person reveals secrets or private information. Blabbing can occur in casual conversations among friends or in more serious situations where keeping information confidential is necessary. It can, therefore, imply not only talking too much but also doing so in a reckless or inappropriate manner.

Synonyms

chattered, chattered, gabbled, spilled, talked.

Examples of usage

  • She blabbed about the surprise party.
  • He blabbed to his coworkers about the company's plans.
  • I can't believe you blabbed my secret!
  • They blabbed all night without a pause.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In cartoons and movies, characters who blab secrets often end up in funny trouble, reinforcing the idea of keeping hush-hush info private.
  • Blabbermouths are commonly featured in comedic stories, where their loose lips lead to exaggerated consequences.

Psychology

  • Talking excessively can be a sign of anxiety or nervousness, where individuals may divulge more than intended as a coping mechanism.
  • Research shows that gossiping and blabbing can create social bonds, but it can also lead to trust issues among friends.

Language Usage

  • The term blends well in informal contexts, illustrating how language evolves to capture nuances in human behavior.
  • Blabbed often appears in narratives where characters must face the repercussions of their chatter, highlighting consequences of loose lips.

Literature

  • Writers often use characters who blab as comic relief or as a way to move the plot forward by accidentally revealing important information.
  • Classics like Shakespeare's works feature characters who blab secrets, illustrating how careless talk can lead to dramatic twists.

Origin of 'blabbed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word traces back to the early 15th century, likely derived from the Middle English 'blabben', meaning to talk foolishly.
  • It is connected to 'blabber', a term that reinforces the concept of excessive or careless talking.

The word 'blab' has its origins in the Middle English word 'blabben,' which means to talk foolishly or incessantly. Interestingly, it can be traced back further to the Old English word 'blabbian,' which carries a similar meaning. Originally, 'blab' referred to a person who talked too much or revealed secrets, often in a negative or informal context. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass various forms of chatter that are deemed trivial or indiscreet. In contemporary usage, the term 'blabbed' represents the past tense of this verb, indicating that someone has already engaged in this kind of loose or careless talking. The evolution of this term reflects changing social norms surrounding communication and information sharing, where discretion is often considered vital.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,169, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.