gab

pronunciation

How to pronounce gab in British English: UK [gæb]word uk audio image

How to pronounce gab in American English: US [ɡæb] word us audio image

  • Noun:
    light informal conversation for social occasions

Word Origin

gab (v.)
"talk much," 1786, probably via Scottish and northern England dialect from earlier sense "speak foolishly; talk indiscreetly" (late 14c.), from gabben "to scoff, jeer; mock (someone), ridicule; reproach (oneself)," also "to lie to" (late 13c.), from a Scandinavian source, such as Old Norse gabba "to mock, make fun of," and probably in part from Old French gaber "to mock, jest; brag, boast," which, too, is from Scandinavian. Ultimately perhaps imitative (compare gabble, which might have shaded the sense of this word). Gabber was Middle English for "liar, deceiver; mocker." Related: Gabbed; gabbing.
gab (n.)
"action of talking," earlier "chatter, loquacity, idle talk" (mid-13c.), also "falsehood, deceit," originally "a gibe, a taunt" (c. 1200), mid-13c., probably from a Scandinavian source akin to Old Norse gabb "mocking, mockery," and in part from Old French gap, gab "joke, jest; bragging talk," which also is probably from Scandinavian (compare gab (v.)). Probably also there is influence from Scottish and northern English gab "the mouth" (see gob); OED reports the word "Not in dignified use." Gift of (the) gab "talent for speaking" is from 1680s.

Example

1. Having the " gift of the gab " is not enough .
2. She has the gift of the gab .
3. At present there are 11 countries in the gab and 26 countries in the nab .
4. Many men get elected because of their gift of gab .
5. I want to know how to have the gift of gab .

more: >How to Use "gab" with Example Sentences