What does yapper mean?
Yapper is an informal word for someone who talks constantly, often quickly and with more sound than substance. As a verb, it describes the act of talking in this manner, and it can also be used of dogs that bark repeatedly. The noun can therefore refer either to an excessively talkative person or to a persistently noisy dog. In ordinary conversation, “yapper” usually carries a humorous, affectionate, or slightly impatient tone rather than being a formal accusation. It is especially useful when the repetition or volume of the talk is more noticeable than what is being said. The word’s related verb senses follow naturally from the imitative sound “yap,” with the suffix “-er” forming an agent noun for a person or animal that makes such noises.
A person who talks a great deal, often rapidly or tiresomely; also, a dog that barks frequently.
"That yapper monopolized the conversation for most of the evening."
Usually informal; the tone can range from affectionate amusement to mild irritation.
To talk rapidly or continuously; of a dog, to bark repeatedly or persistently.
"The dog began yapping as soon as it saw its owner."
The dog sense is common and often affectionate; the sense for constant human talking is typically disparaging.
The regular plural is used for multiple people or dogs described as yappers.
"The two yappers competed for attention from the moment they entered the room."
A yapper may be a human chatterbox—or the small dog next door with an endless bark.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does yapper come from?
The word was formed in English from “yap,” an imitative term for a sharp cry, bark, or rapid vocal noise, together with the suffix “-er.” The noun sense for a person who talks constantly developed by analogy with the animal meaning of a dog that yaps. The verb continues the older sense of making repeated sharp sounds, while the extended meaning for rapid, incessant talking became established in modern usage.
Related word forms
How yapper is actually used
Informal and commonly mildly dismissive or affectionate, especially for someone who talks excessively. The dog senses are familiar and can sound fond rather than critical.
Easily confused with yapper
A yapper is a person or dog that makes frequent vocal noises, whereas to yap is the action of talking or barking in a rapid, noisy way.