kibitz

Definition

To make small talk or idle chatter.

Etymology

From Yiddish קיבעצן (kibetsn), cognate to German kiebitzen (“to look on”), from German Kiebitz (“lapwing”), from Middle High German gibiz (“plover”), imitative of its cry. Compare peewit.

Example Sentences

• "Louise and I used to head down to the coffee shop and just sit for hours and kibitz."
• "His wife Karen listened as John and I kibitzed about our experiences at the University of Oklahoma some 40 years ago."
• "Okay, we kibitzed enough. What brings you?"