Flibbertigibbet

“Flibbertigibbet” sounds like someone spilled a handful of vowels and just went with it. Yet it’s a real word — and it means a talkative, flighty person. On this page, you’ll discover its meaning, origin, pronunciation, and why it’s one of the most delightfully absurd words in the English language.

What does Flibbertigibbet mean?

Meaning: A frivolous, chatty, or overly enthusiastic person.

Synonyms: chatterbox, babbler, windbag.

Antonyms: stoic, listener.

Pronunciation: FLIB-er-ti-jib-it

Where does the word Flibbertigibbet come from?

The word “flibbertigibbet” first appeared around 1549 in English plays and was later used by Shakespeare in King Lear. It may come from the Middle English term “flybber-gybe,” which referred to a restless or gossipy woman. Its bouncy sound and playful rhythm make it a perfect example of how English invents words that sound like their meaning.

How to use Flibbertigibbet in a sentence

• “She’s such a flibbertigibbet — always talking about five things at once.”

• “My grandmother used to call me a flibbertigibbet when I couldn’t stop giggling.”

Use it with a wink — it sounds far funnier than it’s meant to be.

Flibbertigibbet in pop culture

In the musical The Sound of Music, the nuns call Maria a “flibbertigibbet.” The word also appears in modern novels and even in fantasy fanfiction as a name for chaotic characters. It’s a great example of how humor helps words survive through the centuries.