Gobble

Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/ˈɡɒbəl/

Definitions

• To eat something quickly and greedily.
• To make a characteristic sound, especially associated with turkeys or similar birds, often described as a "gobble."
• To swallow or devour something rapidly, often used in a figurative sense to mean hastily consuming something.

Usage Examples

• He gobbled down his breakfast and rushed out the door.
• The turkey began to gobble loudly as it approached the barn.
• She gobbled up the information during the meeting, taking in everything she could.

Etymology

The word "gobble" originates from the Middle English "goblen," meaning to devour or eat greedily, which is likely imitative of the sound made by turkeys. The term is linked to the gobbling noise that male turkeys make during mating rituals, first recorded in English in the 14th century. The association with quick or greedy eating comes from the sound of hurried consumption.

Synonyms

• Devour
• Gorge
• Inhale
• Stuff
• Scarf

Antonyms

• Savor
• Nibble
• Taste
• Chew
• Consume slowly

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In some regions of the US, especially in the South, the pronunciation may include a more drawn-out vowel sound, making it sound like "gaw-buhl" instead of the standard "gob-uhl."
• In the UK, particularly in rural areas, the "gobble" might be pronounced with a softer "o," resembling "gub-buhl" due to regional accents.

Historical Usage

The term "gobble" has been used since the early 14th century in English, first in reference to the sound made by male turkeys. By the 16th century, the word evolved to describe the act of eating hastily, likely influenced by the rapid manner in which turkeys "gobble" their food. Over time, its meaning expanded to include any form of hasty or greedy consumption, both literal and metaphorical.

Cultural Nuances

In Western cultures, "gobble" is commonly associated with Thanksgiving, where turkeys are often the centerpiece of the meal. The phrase "gobble up" is frequently used in a playful context to describe fast eating, and the gobble sound of turkeys is a distinctive feature of American and European wildlife. Globally, the word has retained its strong connection to the concept of greedy or rapid consumption.

More Information

The use of "gobble" extends beyond its literal sense of eating quickly. It is frequently employed in idiomatic expressions, such as "gobbling up resources" or "gobbling down information," to indicate the rapid or eager consumption of something. While the word is widely understood in its original context of turkey behavior, it has also found a place in contemporary discourse to describe overeating or excessive consumption in various forms.