A person who is excessively talkative, silly, or frivolous; someone who chatters constantly or acts irrationally.
Origin uncertain but first appeared in 16th-century England; possibly onomatopoetic, echoing the idea of chattering nonsense. Some suggest demonic origins from medieval folklore. The word gained prominence through literature and has remained in English ever since.
This word sounds exactly like what it means—say it aloud and you hear silliness bouncing around your mouth—which is probably why it's survived 500 years despite having no clear origin!
Historically applied predominantly to women as an insult for chattiness or frivolity. The term carries gendered contempt for vocalization and emotional expression coded as feminine.
Avoid using this term; it carries unmotivated gendered contempt. If referencing the word itself, acknowledge its exclusionary history.
["talkative person","energetic person","verbose speaker"]
Women's greater comfort with verbal communication has been pathologized rather than recognized as a social strength; this term enforces silence.
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