jabberjawin’

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "jabberjawin’" means talking too much, often fast or without much to say. It can be playful - just chattin’ away - or critical, meaning someone won’t hush.

#Appalachia #People&Relationships #OldTimers #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I hear 'jabberjawin’' ever once in awhile, but not as much now as I used to.

Pronunciation

[JAB-er-jaw-in]

Meaning & Usage

- Talking too much or too fast (verb)

Mae:

How long you been here?

Earl:

Too long - fella’s just jabberjawin’ away.

- Playful talk or chatter (verb)

Mae:

They’s just sittin’ on the porch jabberjawin’.

other spellings: jawin’, flappin’ his jaws, jawjackin’, chatterin’, talkin’ too much, running his mouth, and gabbin’

★ Sometimes said with a grin, sometimes with an eye-roll. Tone tells whether "jabberjawin’" is harmless chatter or plain annoyance. ★

Origin

Formed from "jabber" (to chatter quickly) and "jaw" (mouth or face). The blend likely spread through Appalachian and Southern speech in the 20th century, alongside similar sayings like "flappin’ his jaws."

Notes

Still common in Southern and Appalachian talk. Outside the region, people may know the cartoon *Jabberjaw* (1970s), but in the mountains "jabberjawin’" was already a live saying.

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "jabber-jaw-in." The final "g" drops - always "jabberjawin’."

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Is "jabberjawin’" always negative?

Not always - it can just mean chatting, but often carries a hint of "too much."

Is it used outside the South?

Rarely. The roots are English, but the form "jabberjawin’" is strongly Southern/Appalachian.

What’s the difference between "jawin’" and "jabberjawin’"?

"Jawin’" is general talk. "Jabberjawin’" adds the sense of fast, pointless chatter.