Gobbledygook (noun)
Nonsense or jargon--language that is difficult or impossible to understand, especially either nonsense or long-winded technical jargon.
Etymology: irregular from gobble, noun
Gobble etymology: probably irregular from gob.
Gob etymology: Middle English gobbe, probably back-formation from gobet
The word "gobbledygook" came to mind after reading some education theory manuals...it's appropriate that the definition of "gob" is "lump" or "a large amount". Very appropriate.
Gobbledygook
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- Grand Panjandrum
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Re: Gobbledygook
At first glance I would have thought this the work of W.S. Gilbert but apparently it was coined by a true Maverick in 1944 in reaction to much the same experience as yours, Skin. The "gobble" part derives from the turkey cluck.Gobbledygook (noun)
Nonsense or jargon--language that is difficult or impossible to understand, especially either nonsense or long-winded technical jargon.
Etymology: irregular from gobble, noun
Gobble etymology: probably irregular from gob.
Gob etymology: Middle English gobbe, probably back-formation from gobet
The word "gobbledygook" came to mind after reading some education theory manuals...it's appropriate that the definition of "gob" is "lump" or "a large amount". Very appropriate.
Isn't "gob" also British slang for mouth, as in "shut yer gob!"?
PS the avatar is preciously precocious.
Stop! Murder us not, tonsured rumpots! Knife no one, fink!
Re: Gobbledygook
After reading your link I would have thought that as well! It appears there's a little disagreement between World Wide Words and Merriam-Webster. http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/gobbledygook
At first glance I would have thought this the work of W.S. Gilbert but apparently it was coined by a true Maverick in 1944 in reaction to much the same experience as yours, Skin. The "gobble" part derives from the turkey cluck.
You betcha!Isn't "gob" also British slang for mouth, as in "shut yer gob!"?
I was advanced for my age. Why does everyone assume that picture of me is old?
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- Grand Panjandrum
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Re: Gobbledygook
The M-W entry just says Etymology: irregular from gobble, noun: wordy and generally unintelligible jargonIt appears there's a little disagreement between World Wide Words and Merriam-Webster. http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/gobbledygook
-this doesn't seem to dispute Maverick's invention ...?
Do we need a Doctor over here or can us inferns handle it?
I'll shut me gob. Suddenly hungry for turkey anyway.
Stop! Murder us not, tonsured rumpots! Knife no one, fink!
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GOBBLEDYGOOK
Actually, I touched on that gobbledygook the discussion of maverick http://www.alphadictionary.com/goodword/word/maverick
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