Gabs

Part of speech: noun, verb

Definitions

1. To talk at length about unimportant things, usually in a casual or lively way ; the chatter or idle talk that results from such conversation
2. Chatters on about nothing much in a relaxed manner ; casual, lively conversation about trivial matters
3. To converse informally and at length about small things ; a stretch of light, unimportant chatter

Etymology: "Gabs" is the plural of "gab", and the noun "gab" meaning idle chatter was not originally about talking at all. The root sense was closer to mocking or scorning someone. Middle English "gabbe" meant a jest, a taunt, or a lie, and it was linked to Old French "gab" and "gap", which carried the sense of mockery, derision, or scorn. The English word thus began as a term for ridicule, and the chatter sense developed later, as jesting and idle talk blended into one another. The family of words is widespread in northern Europe. Scots "gab" still means to mock or prate, and related forms appear in North Frisian, Middle Dutch, and Middle Low German, where they meant to jest or have fun. Icelandic "gabb" means a hoax, which keeps the sense of playing a trick on someone. Taken together, these cognates suggest a shared root meaning something like mockery, with talking as one of its outlets.

Synonyms: chatter, jabber, prattle

Antonyms: silence