gibe

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a mocking or insulting remark intended to wound or provoke

   She ignored the gibe and continued presenting her evidence.

2. 2
   verb

   to make mocking, contemptuous, or taunting remarks

   The spectators began to gibe at the defeated team.

Recorded as a verb in the 1560s and a noun soon after; its origin is uncertain. It may come from French giber ("handle roughly") or be an alteration of French gaber ("mock, jest"). The spelling jibe is also used for the taunt sense.

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