Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

YABB, v. Also ya(a)b; jabb (Jak.). To harp on a subject, talk incessantly (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XI. 221, 1908 Jak. (1928); Sh., Bnff., Abd., Ags. 1974). Derivs. yabber, n., an interminable talker, chatterbox (Sh., Cld. 1880 Jam.), yab(b)o(c)k, abok, id. (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 1, 496). [jɑb]Abd. 1922 Swatches o' Hamespun 63:
“Fair yirdit!” she yabbit, laich.Abd. 1931 D. Campbell Uncle Andie 9, 31:
Sma' winner Dooglie's throat's hairse — he's sic a yabbin' crettur. . . . Gie ower, ye yaabers, an' lat's get on wi' the nicht's bisness.