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 novel treats the young gossip as a charming flibbertigibbet.
  • The comedy is full of flibbertigibbets who gossip in every scene.
  • After three cups of coffee, he sounded like a cheerful flibbertigibbet.
  • Her aunt used flibbertigibbet for anyone who talked through dinner.

Similar words

busybody
scatterbrain
blabbermouth
chatterbox
gossip
motormouth
lightweight
prattler

Meanings

Usage

Use flibbertigibbet for comic or old-fashioned color, since it sounds pointed and playful rather than plain or neutral.

Common mistakes

A flibbertigibbet report treats the noun as a normal adjective, while the standard headword names a person.

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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