Hillbilly Slang

Authentic sayings, folk stories, and mountain wisdom.

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.

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Pronunciation

[JAB-er-jaw-in]

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Meaning & Usage

- Talking too much or too fast (verb)

At the store
Mae:
How long you been here?

Earl:
Too long - fella’s just jabberjawin’ away.

- Playful talk or chatter (verb)

At a gathering
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. ★

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