Clacket

/ˈklækɪt/ noun

Definition

A small clacking device, or dialectally, a woman or girl who talks excessively; a gossip.

Etymology

Diminutive form of 'clack,' using the suffix '-et.' The secondary meaning as a talkative person comes from the idea of something making repeated clacking sounds like chatter.

Kelly Says

This word shows how people historically used noise metaphors for constant talking—if someone talked too much, their mouth 'clacked' like a mechanical device. Onomatopoeia reveals cultural attitudes!

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