www.alphadictionary.com

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 (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.

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.

Isn't "gob" also British slang for mouth, as in "shut yer gob!"?

PS the avatar is preciously precocious.

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.

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

Isn't "gob" also British slang for mouth, as in "shut yer gob!"?

You betcha!

I was advanced for my age. Why does everyone assume that picture of me is old?

It appears there's a little disagreement between World Wide Words and Merriam-Webster. http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/gobbledygook

The M-W entry just says Etymology: irregular from gobble, noun: wordy and generally unintelligible jargon

-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.

I dunno, it seems to me like it's another racial slur.

mark

I dunno, it seems to me like it's another racial slur.

mark

Eeeewww! Cannibalism! <why isn't there an emoticon for upchuck?>

I enjoyed the maverick link, whether it is accurate or not.

Actually, I touched on that gobbledygook the discussion of maverick http://www.alphadictionary.com/goodword/word/maverick