to kibbitz
- verb
- /ˈkɪbɪts/
- Informal
- While we played chess, my uncle couldn’t help but kibbitz from the sidelines.
Examples
-
He tends to kibbitz during meetings, offering advice no one asked for.
-
Please don’t kibbitz when I’m trying to solve the puzzle on my own.
-
Don't kibbitz during the meeting!
-
She always kibbitzes when we play cards.
-
During the game, he couldn't help but kibbitz from the sidelines, offering his unwanted opinions to the players.
-
She always tends to kibbitz when her friends are discussing their personal issues, even when not asked.
-
While watching the debate, he decided to kibbitz with his thoughts, not realizing it annoyed others.
Synonyms
Interrupt someone who is speaking without being invited
To join a conversation or activity without being invited
To make unwanted comments while watching others, often during a game
To try to take part in other people's business without being asked
Antonyms
- Informal
Stay out of other people's private matters and focus on your own
How Intrusive
- Informal
- Informal
Surface Forms
Etymology
Kibbitz comes from the Yiddish and German word Kiebitz, the name of a bird that was said to 'watch' and chatter, and people used it for onlookers at card games who would shout advice. So, to kibbitz now means to make unwanted comments or give advice from the sidelines.