Blabbering Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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blabbering

[หˆblรฆbษ™rษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

talking excessively

Blabbering refers to speaking in a way that is overly talkative or verbose, often without any real purpose or depth. It can convey incoherent or pointless chatter, which may not be taken seriously by others. People who blabber might share trivial information or gossip that does not contribute to a conversation meaningfully. The term often carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the speaker is either unaware of their excessive talking or indifferent to others' reactions.

Synonyms

babbling, chattering, jabbering, prattling, ranting.

Examples of usage

  • She was blabbering about her vacation plans nonstop.
  • Stop blabbering and get to the point!
  • He tends to blabber in meetings, making it hard to focus.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that excessive talking can be a sign of anxiety, as some individuals blabber to cope with nervousness.
  • Blabbering may also serve as a social bonding tool, where people feel connected through shared chatter, though it can sometimes overwhelm listeners.
  • Studies indicate that people who blabber often may struggle with impulse control, wanting to share thoughts before thinking them through.

Pop Culture

  • In many sitcoms, characters known for blabbering are portrayed as comedic relief, adding humor through their nonstop talking.
  • Famous figures in media, such as the character of Joey from 'Friends', often use blabbering as a key trait, making them memorable.
  • Reality TV often highlights blabbering as contestants spill secrets or gossip, driving drama and viewer engagement.

Literature

  • Classic literature often features chatty characters to develop plot, with blabbering serving as a commentary on society's flaws.
  • In works like 'The Great Gatsby', characters engage in idle chatter, reflecting the emptiness of their glamorous lives.
  • Blabbering is often utilized in poetry to convey stream-of-consciousness, giving voice to a characterโ€™s innermost thoughts.

Communication Studies

  • Effective communication teaches that less is often more, highlighting the downside of blabbering in persuasive speaking.
  • Workshops on public speaking emphasize clarity and brevity, contrasting with blabbering which can dilute a speaker's message.
  • Conversational analysis reveals that blabbering can disrupt dialogue, making it difficult for others to participate meaningfully.

Origin of 'blabbering'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'blabber' comes from the Middle English term 'blabben', which meant 'to babble or to speak foolishly'.
  • It shares roots with the Old Norse 'blabba', showcasing how languages evolve over time with similar meanings.
  • The suffix '-ing' indicates the action of the word, creating a continuous form that suggests ongoing chatter.

The term 'blabbering' derives from the word 'blabber,' which appears in English as a noun and a verb. The earliest recorded use of 'blabber' dates back to the late 16th century, with roots in the Middle English word 'blabberen,' meaning 'to talk foolishly or excessively.' This word is likely of imitative origin, mimicking the sounds made when someone talks without restraint. Over the years, 'blabbering' has evolved in usage, often describing someone who speaks in a gossipy or indiscreet manner. The connotation associated with blabbering has played a significant role in how the term is perceived in social contexts, frequently implying a lack of consideration for the listener's interest or time.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,124, 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.