Grabby: meaning, definitions and examples

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grabby

 

[ˈɡræbi ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

personality trait

The term 'grabby' is often used to describe someone who is overly eager or excessively interested in obtaining something, especially in a way that is intrusive or inappropriate. It implies a lack of respect for personal boundaries, often manifesting in behavior that is overly aggressive or forward. People who are characterized as grabby may exhibit behaviors such as trying to take control of conversations or situations, often putting their own desires above the comfort of others.

Synonyms

covetous, greedy, insatiable.

Examples of usage

  • He's always so grabby when it comes to sharing snacks.
  • Her grabby nature made everyone uncomfortable at the party.
  • Don't be grabby with the toys; let others play too.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word combines 'grab', meaning to take quickly, with the suffix '-y', which makes it an adjective.
  • It originated in informal English, capturing a sense of eagerness or impatience.
  • The word reflects an action that is often seen as childish or overly aggressive in behavior.

Psychology

  • People described as grabby might struggle with impulse control, often wanting immediate rewards.
  • In social settings, grabby behavior can lead to conflicts, as it disregards others' needs.
  • This tendency can sometimes stem from deeper emotional needs, like wanting attention or validation.

Pop Culture

  • Television shows often depict grabby characters to represent social dynamics and competition.
  • Grabby behavior is a common trope in children's media, highlighting lessons on sharing and patience.
  • Influencers on social media may appear grabby when constantly seeking likes or followers.

Literature

  • In classic literature, grabby characters often serve as antagonists, showcasing greed or selfishness.
  • Many fables teach the moral lesson that being grabby leads to loneliness and unhappiness.
  • Grabby behavior in literary works often symbolizes larger societal issues, such as consumerism.

Sociology

  • Cultural norms can influence what is considered grabby behavior, with some societies more tolerant of it than others.
  • In communities, grabby behavior can be linked to competition for limited resources, reflecting economic disparities.
  • The negative perception of being grabby often encourages social etiquette emphasizing sharing and cooperation.

Translations

Translations of the word "grabby" in other languages:

🇵🇹 agarrador

🇮🇳 पकड़ने वाला

🇩🇪 greifbar

🇮🇩 mencengkeram

🇺🇦 хапливий

🇵🇱 chwytliwy

🇯🇵 掴みやすい

🇫🇷 attrayant

🇪🇸 agarroso

🇹🇷 kapıcı

🇰🇷 붙잡기 쉬운

🇸🇦 مقبوض

🇨🇿 uchopitelný

🇸🇰 uchopiteľný

🇨🇳 易抓的

🇸🇮 ujemljiv

🇮🇸 grípa

🇰🇿 ұстап алатын

🇬🇪 დაჭერადი

🇦🇿 tutmağı asan

🇲🇽 agarrador

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,601, 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.