Gabby Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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gabby

[ˈɡæbi ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

personality

Talking a lot in a way that is annoying to other people.

Synonyms

chatty, loquacious, talkative.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
gabby	Used to describe someone who talks a lot, often too much, usually in casual or informal situations. This word can carry a slightly negative connotation, suggesting that the person talks more than is necessary. Mary is so gabby; she can go on for hours about her cat
chatty	Describes someone who likes to talk in a friendly and informal way. It's generally positive and implies that the person is pleasant to be around. The barista is always so chatty and makes my morning coffee extra special
talkative	Generally neutral and straightforward, this word is used to describe someone who talks a lot. It doesn't carry the same negative weight as 'gabby' and is suitable for a wide range of contexts. Jack is very talkative; he enjoys discussing various topics with anyone who will listen
loquacious	A more formal term used to describe someone who is very talkative. It often implies that the person is articulate and enjoys engaging in conversations. The professor was loquacious, often extending lectures with interesting anecdotes

Examples of usage

She's always so gabby, she never stops talking!
His gabby nature can be exhausting at times.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Research suggests that people who talk more can influence social situations, making them more comfortable for others.
Frequent talking can lead to the phenomenon of 'sociability,' where engaging conversations often foster connections between people.
Gabby individuals might find themselves at ease in social situations, but they may also need to be mindful of listening.

Pop Culture

Gabby is often used in pop culture to describe characters who are witty and talkative, such as comic reliefs in movies or TV shows.
Popular social media platforms sometimes celebrate 'gabby' personalities through vlogs or podcasts, where storytelling is key.
The term appears in various songs and literature to describe vibrant characters with a knack for conversation.

Linguistics

'Gabby' is an example of how language evolves to capture social traits, reflecting our values around communication.
In different dialects, similar words like 'chatterbox' or 'blabber' serve the same purpose in describing talkative people.
The word is often used in a light-hearted context, differentiating it from more negative terms for excessive talking.

Origin of 'gabby'

Main points about word origin

The word 'gabby' originated in the early 20th century, derived from the English dialect word 'gab,' meaning talk or chatter.
It is related to the Middle English word 'gabb,' which means to talk noisily or boastfully.
The suffix '-y' in 'gabby' often indicates a tendency or inclination, suggesting a person is prone to talking.

The word 'gabby' originated in the late 19th century in the United States. It is derived from the word 'gab,' which means to talk in a rapid, thoughtless manner. Over time, 'gabby' evolved to describe someone who talks excessively or in a bothersome way.