Gobby

Gobby (adjective / UK Slang)

(Also heard as: Gobby cow, Gobby git, Gobshite, Gobbing off)

Definition:

Gobby means loud, mouthy or cheeky in the way someone talks. A gobby person speaks their mind freely, often without being asked, and may be rude or argumentative. It can be a mild insult or an affectionate tease.

Where Gobby Comes From:

Gobby comes from “gob”, a British slang word for mouth, which has been used since at least the 1500s and may be of Gaelic origin. Adding “-y” turns it into an adjective meaning someone with a lot to say. “Gobby” has been part of everyday British English for generations and is particularly common in the North and Scotland.

How People Actually Use Gobby:

It is often said about a child who answers back, a mate who cannot keep quiet or a football fan shouting at the referee. “Gobbing off” describes the act of mouthing off. It is not usually serious, and it is often said with a roll of the eyes rather than real anger.

Is Gobby Rude?

Slightly. It is a mild put-down, so it is fine among friends, but calling a stranger gobby could start an argument. Compared with similar words, it is fairly gentle.

Examples in the Wild:

• “She is a bit gobby, but she means well.”

  Meaning: She talks back and speaks her mind.

• “Do not get gobby with the teacher.”

  Meaning: Do not answer back rudely.

• “He was gobbing off at the ref all night.”

  Meaning: He kept shouting complaints at the referee.

Similar Slang:

Lairy, Cheeky, Chirp, Earache, Mouthy, Lippy

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