Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Drivelling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ฌ
Add to dictionary

drivelling

[หˆdrษชv.ษ™l.ษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

informal usage

Drivelling refers to the act of talking in a silly or nonsensical manner, often without making much sense. It is commonly used to describe speech that is trivial or foolish. People might use this term to indicate that someone is rambling or babbling aimlessly, often about topics that are unimportant or irrelevant. In a broader sense, it can also refer to drooling or let saliva run from the mouth, particularly in a connotative way when someone is overly excited or lost in thought.

Synonyms

babbling, drooling, rambling, talking nonsense.

Examples of usage

  • Stop drivelling and get to the point.
  • She was drivelling about her favorite TV show.
  • He tends to start drivelling when he's tired.
  • I can't focus with all this drivelling going on.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People may drivellingly express themselves when theyโ€™re tired, stressed, or overwhelmed, indicating a need for emotional release.
  • In psychology, nonsensical speech can sometimes be linked to certain conditions, revealing how our minds work under pressure.

Literature

  • Authors might use drivelling dialogue in characters to show humor, madness, or a lack of clarity in thinking.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, characters sometimes engage in drivelling to emphasize a lack of seriousness about serious topics.

Cultural References

  • In comedy, characters who talk excessively without making sense can create humor and relatability, like a quirky best friend.
  • Drivelling appears in cartoons where characters may overreact and spill out silly words, reflecting childlike innocence.

Education

  • Using imaginative language or drivelling can foster creativity in kids, encouraging them to express thoughts without limits.
  • Teachers sometimes engage in playful drivelling to capture attention, promoting a fun learning environment.

Origin of 'drivelling'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'drivelen', which meant to talk or babble foolishly.
  • It likely has roots in the Old English word 'dribban', meaning to drool, connecting speech with messy, unclear thoughts.

The term 'drivelling' originates from the Old English word 'drifian', which meant to drive or to push. Over time, it evolved to take on a more casual connotation associated with being driven to senselessness or aimlessness in conversation. In Middle English, the term took the form 'drivel', which was used more specifically to refer to saliva flowing from the mouth, akin to drooling. Eventually, the modern usage of 'drivelling' emerged, signifying both the physical act of drooling and the figurative act of speaking foolishly. This dual meaning highlights the playful and often dismissive attitude toward trivial speech or idle chatter.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,769, 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.