Well-read · Old & rare words · Character
Flibbertigibbet: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Flibbertigibbet noun. A flighty, chattering person who can't stick to one thing.
How to say it
flib-ur-tee-JIB-it/ˌflɪbətɪˈdʒɪbɪt/
5 syllables, stressed on the fourth (JIB).
Flibbertigibbet in a sentence
Our new intern is a lovable flibbertigibbet who starts six tasks before lunch.
Don't be such a flibbertigibbet; finish one sentence before you start the next.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- chatterbox
- featherbrain
- scatterbrain
- gadabout
Where flibbertigibbet comes from
From the 1400s, probably imitating idle chatter; Shakespeare used it as a fiend's name in King Lear.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
Don't be such a _____; finish one sentence before you start the next.
- gumption
- flibbertigibbet
- quidnunc
Show the answer
flibbertigibbet: Don't be such a flibbertigibbet; finish one sentence before you start the next.