flibbertigibbet
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/ˌflɪbərtiˈdʒɪbət/
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A playful but critical name for a silly, flighty, or gossipy person who chatters more than seems sensible.
Examples
The committee dismissed him as a flibbertigibbet, then regretted ignoring his warning.
The comedy is full of flibbertigibbets who gossip in every scene.
Her aunt used flibbertigibbet for anyone who talked through dinner.
After three cups of coffee, he sounded like a cheerful flibbertigibbet.
The novel treats the young gossip as a charming flibbertigibbet.
Similar words
scatterbrain
blabbermouthbusybody
motormouth
lightweight
gossip
chatterbox
prattler
Meanings
Examples
The novel treats the young gossip as a charming flibbertigibbet.
After three cups of coffee, he sounded like a cheerful flibbertigibbet.
The committee dismissed him as a flibbertigibbet, then regretted ignoring his warning.
Her aunt used flibbertigibbet for anyone who talked through dinner.
The comedy is full of flibbertigibbets who gossip in every scene.
Similar words
chatterbox
gossip
scatterbrain
prattler
blabbermouthbusybody
lightweight
motormouth
Etymology
From late Middle English forms such as flepergebet and flipergebet, probably shaped to imitate quick, meaningless chatter.
FAQ
What does flibbertigibbet mean?
A flibbertigibbet is a silly, flighty, or gossipy person who talks a lot.
Is flibbertigibbet a noun or an adjective?
Flibbertigibbet is normally a noun. The related adjective is flibbertigibbety.
Is flibbertigibbet insulting?
It can be insulting, but its old-fashioned sound often makes it playful rather than harsh.
Is flibbertigibbet still used?
Yes, but it is uncommon and usually appears in humorous, literary, or deliberately colorful writing.
What is the plural of flibbertigibbet?
The regular plural is flibbertigibbets.
Where does flibbertigibbet come from?
It comes from late Middle English forms and was probably shaped to sound like fast, empty chatter.
What are synonyms of flibbertigibbet?
Close words include chatterbox, gossip, scatterbrain, prattler, and busybody.
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