Talkative

/ˈtɔːk.ə.tɪv/ adjective

Definition

Inclined to talk a lot; someone who likes to speak and express themselves frequently.

Etymology

From 'talk' + '-ative' (a suffix meaning 'inclined to'). Talk comes from Old English and Germanic roots meaning 'to tell or speak,' and '-ative' comes from Latin.

Kelly Says

Personality psychology shows talkative people are often extroverts, but research reveals introverts often have equally rich thoughts—they're just sipping those ideas quietly instead of sharing aloud.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Historically applied with gender bias: women labeled 'talkative' or 'chatty' while men are praised as 'articulate' or 'commanding'; used to pathologize women's communication.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'communicative', 'expressive', or 'vocal' for neutral description. Avoid as implicit criticism of women's speech.

Inclusive Alternatives

["communicative","expressive","vocal","articulate"]

Related Words

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