Jabbering Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🗣️
jabbering
[ˈdʒæbərɪŋ ]
Definition
communication
To talk rapidly, indistinctly, or nonsensically; chatter
Synonyms
babble, chatter, gibber, prattle.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| jabbering |
Used when someone is talking quickly and excitedly, often in a way that is hard to understand.
|
| chatter |
Typically used to describe light, informal conversation, or the sound of many people talking together.
|
| prattle |
Used to describe meaningless or idle talk, often with a sense of affection or triviality.
|
| babble |
Appropriate when describing speech that is incoherent, often used for background noise or when someone is speaking without making much sense.
|
| gibber |
Refers to rapid, unintelligible talk; often used to express disdain or describe someone who is frightened and unable to speak clearly.
|
Examples of usage
- He was jabbering away on the phone.
- Stop jabbering and focus on the task at hand.
- She jabbered excitedly about her new project.
- The children were jabbering in the playground.
- I couldn't understand a word he was jabbering about.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- The term 'jabbering' gained further popularity through Lewis Carroll's 'Jabberwocky', a poem that features whimsical language and nonsensical creatures.
- In literature, characters who jabber often portray excitement or confusion, reflecting their emotional states.
- Writers use jabbering for comedic effect, allowing characters to express themselves in a chaotic and entertaining manner.
Psychology
- When people jabber, it may indicate excitement or anxiety, as rapid speech often arises during heightened emotional states.
- Psychologists note that people might jabber when they are eager to share information or when their thoughts outpace their speech capabilities.
- In conversations, excessive jabbering can lead to misunderstandings, as it may overwhelm listeners or drown out key messages.
Communication
- Jabbering can indicate fluency in a language, where a speaker confidently mixes vocabulary and themes, though clarity may suffer.
- In group discussions, those who jabber may unintentionally monopolize conversations, impacting group dynamics.
- It’s often seen in social settings like parties, where individuals may jabber in excitement to engage others and expand social connections.
Pop Culture
- The term often appears in animated shows and movies, portraying characters who are overly chatty or excited, adding to comedic elements.
- In music, jabbering can describe fast-paced verses or styles, making it a fun term in genres like rap and hip hop.
- Social media influencers sometimes jabber in their videos, aiming to entertain their audience by mixing humor with speed.
Origin of 'jabbering'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'jabbering' is believed to come from the Middle English term 'jabber', which meant to talk rapidly.
- Its origins may trace back to the 16th century, where it was often used to describe the sound of chattering that was incomprehensible.
- Some linguists suggest the association with language that is unclear or nonsensical links it to the word 'jabberwocky', from Lewis Carroll's poem 'Jabberwocky'.
The word 'jabbering' originated from the Middle English word 'jaberen', which meant 'to chatter'. It has been in use since the 15th century to describe rapid, indistinct, or nonsensical speech. Over the years, 'jabbering' has become a common term to refer to fast and often meaningless talking.
See also: jabberer.