Kibitz Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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kibitz
[ˈkɪbɪts ]
Definition
informal conversation
To kibitz means to offer comments or advice in a casual or unofficial manner, often while observing a game or an activity. It can imply light-hearted or unsolicited commentary that may or may not be welcome.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He kibitzed during the poker game, giving tips that annoyed the players.
- She loves to kibitz on the sidelines while watching her friends play soccer.
- They kibitzed about strategies while waiting for their turn in the game.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'kibitz'
The term "kibitz" originates from the Yiddish word "kibitsen", which means 'to converse or chat'. This Yiddish term itself is derived from the German verb "kiebitzen", which means 'to watch over, to act as a spy'. The word was first recorded in American English in the early 20th century and is commonly associated with games like cards and chess where spectators might offer unsolicited advice or comments to players. The light-hearted and often humorous nature of kibitzing has made it a popular term in English, especially in informal settings. Over the years, it has maintained its roots in the Jewish culture while becoming more widely used in general English to describe any form of casual conversation or unsolicited commentary.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #42,475, 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.
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- 42472 staidly
- 42473 bedazzling
- 42474 jotter
- 42475 kibitz
- 42476 verbosely
- 42477 phonologist
- 42478 conjugally
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