What does jiber mean?
To jiber is to speak rapidly and indistinctly, often in an excited, nervous, or agitated state. The word can also imply that what is being said is nonsensical, confused, or not worth listening to. It is an informal verb commonly found in American English and used in British English as well. For example, a caller who begins “jibbering into the phone” is speaking too quickly or incoherently for the listener to follow, while a speaker who is “jibbering nonsense” is producing confused or meaningless talk. Although “jiber” sometimes suggests merely fast speech, its use usually carries a note of criticism or amusement. The related expression “jibberish” is especially familiar from its use as an invented language in the American comic strip Li'l Abner. Overall, the word is useful when describing speech that is rapid, muddled, or playfully absurd.
verbTo speak or talk rapidly and indistinctly, especially in an excited or agitated manner. It can also mean to talk nonsense.
- To speak or talk rapidly and indistinctly.
- To talk nonsense or speak in an incoherent manner.
"She started jibbering into the phone before I could ask who had called."
"The witness began jibbering, leaving the officer unable to understand the statement."
"They spent the entire meeting jibbering nonsense instead of reaching a decision."
In the American comic strip Li'l Abner, the fictional word “jibberish” became a humorous term for a supposed language, helping popularize the word family associated with rapid, confused speech.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does jiber come from?
“Jiber” entered English in the late nineteenth century as informal vocabulary for rapid or nonsensical speech. Its precise origin is uncertain, and it is closely associated with the later, more widely established word “jibberish.” No definite family of related forms in other languages is securely established.
Related word forms
How jiber is actually used
Informal and chiefly associated with speech that is hurried, excited, or unintelligible. It may sound dismissive when used to describe another person's speech.
Easily confused with jiber
Jiber describes the act of speaking rapidly and indistinctly, whereas gibber more often refers to nonsensical or unintelligible speech itself.
Jibber means to speak rapidly or unintelligibly, while jibe means to mock or make fun of someone.