Clishmaclaver

/ˈklɪʃməˌklæv.ər/ noun

Definition

Gossip, idle talk, or meaningless chatter that goes back and forth between people.

Etymology

Scottish origin, combining 'clish' (perhaps imitative of clashing sounds) and 'claver' (to gossip or chat), dating to around the 17th century. The word reflects Scottish dialect's rich vocabulary for social talk.

Kelly Says

This beautiful Scottish word captures something that English speakers often need three words to express—it's the sound and feeling of gossip itself, almost onomatopoetic in how it rolls off the tongue, making it perfect for poets and novelists.

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