Blabber Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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blabber

[ˈblæbər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

speaking nonsense

To talk rapidly and continuously in a foolish, excited, or incomprehensible way.

Synonyms

babble, chatter, gibber, jabber, prattle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
blabber

Used when someone talks too much or reveals secrets thoughtlessly, often with a negative connotation.

  • He tends to blabber about everything, so be careful what you tell him
babble

Typically used to describe inconsequential or meaningless talk, often in a soft or repetitive manner. Can be negative when referring to adults but neutral or positive when referring to babies.

  • The brook babbled softly as they walked along the path
  • The baby babbled happily in its crib
jabber

Describes talking rapidly and excitedly but often not making much sense. It carries a slightly negative tone.

  • The kids jabbered on about their new toys without stopping for a breath
prattle

Used to describe foolish or inconsequential talk, often with a negative connotation, especially when referring to adults. Can also refer to light, simple conversation.

  • The old man prattled on about his childhood days
  • The children prattled happily as they played
chatter

Often used to describe light, informal conversation, usually in an enthusiastic or energetic manner. Can be slightly annoying if it is non-stop.

  • The students chattered excitedly before the class began
  • She chattered on the phone for hours with her friend
gibber

Refers to speaking quickly and incoherently, usually because of fear, confusion, or excitement. It has a negative connotation.

  • He was so scared he started to gibber, making it hard to understand his words

Examples of usage

  • She blabbered on and on about nothing of importance.
  • He was so nervous that he started to blabber during the presentation.
  • Don't blabber about things you don't understand.
  • I couldn't understand a word she was blabbering about.
  • The child blabbered happily as he played with his toys.
Context #2 | Noun

gossip

Someone who talks in a foolish or meaningless way.

Synonyms

blabbermouth, chatterbox, gossipmonger, rumormonger, tattler.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
blabber

Used when someone talks too much and often says things that shouldn't be shared.

  • Don't tell him your secrets; he's known to blabber about everything.
gossipmonger

Describes a person who spreads rumors or news about other people's private lives, often in a negative or malicious way.

  • The office gossipmonger is at it again, sharing unverified stories about the new employee.
chatterbox

Informal, often affectionate term for someone who talks a lot.

  • My little sister is such a chatterbox; she talks from morning till night.
rumormonger

Specifically focuses on spreading false or harmful rumors, commonly perceived negatively.

  • He's known as a rumormonger, always trying to stir up trouble with his baseless stories.
tattler

Refers to someone, often a child, who tells on others, revealing secrets or reporting misdeeds to authority figures.

  • The teacher heard the tattler complaining about his classmates to get them in trouble.
blabbermouth

Refers to a person who is known for disclosing confidential or sensitive information indiscriminately.

  • He's a blabbermouth, so I would be cautious about sharing personal information with him.

Examples of usage

  • She's just a blabber, don't listen to her rumors.
  • Don't pay attention to the blabber, focus on the facts.
  • The blabber in the office is causing unnecessary drama.
  • He's considered a blabber among his friends.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Blabber has been used in various shows and movies to depict characters who can't keep a secret, adding humor through their over-the-top chattiness.
  • In some animated series, characters named 'Blabber' are often portrayed as sidekicks who share plot points or foreshadow events without meaning to.

Psychology

  • Research has shown that excessive talking can be a sign of anxiety, where individuals share more than necessary to alleviate discomfort in social settings.
  • People who blabber might not realize they are dominating conversations, often stemming from a need for attention or connection.

Literature

  • In various novels, characters who blabber often serve as comic relief or catalysts for the plot by unintentionally revealing important information.
  • The term appears in classic literature to describe gossipy characters, highlighting themes of trust and betrayal.

Communication

  • In communication studies, talking excessively can disrupt the flow of conversation and may hinder effective dialogue.
  • Balancing sharing and listening is essential, as too much blabbering can alienate friends and peers.

Origin of 'blabber'

Main points about word origin

  • The word dates back to the 16th century, originating from the dialectal term 'blabber' which meant to talk foolishly.
  • It may be related to 'blab,' an older term for talking or gossiping, which has roots in Old English.

The word 'blabber' originated from Middle English 'blaberen', which meant 'to talk foolishly'. Over time, it evolved to its current usage to describe speaking nonsense or gossip. The word has been used in English language since the 15th century.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,460, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.