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gibe / jibe
Aug. 31st, 2007 07:36 amgibe - v., to make taunting or jeering remarks. n., a derisive remark.
jibe - v., to shift from one side to the other when running before the wind; to be in harmony or accord, agree.
A pair of confusing words, which are actually three words. Gibe dates from the mid-16th century, from Middle French giber, to handle roughly, ultimately from gibe, staff, billhook. The first sense of jibe, originally spelled gybe, is from the late 17th century, from Dutch gijben or gijpen. The second sense of jibe is an Americanism from the start of the 19th century, of unknown origin.
None of which should be confused with the various jibs (a type of sail, a variant of jibe, to balk or be restless, the boom of a derrick).
---L.
jibe - v., to shift from one side to the other when running before the wind; to be in harmony or accord, agree.
A pair of confusing words, which are actually three words. Gibe dates from the mid-16th century, from Middle French giber, to handle roughly, ultimately from gibe, staff, billhook. The first sense of jibe, originally spelled gybe, is from the late 17th century, from Dutch gijben or gijpen. The second sense of jibe is an Americanism from the start of the 19th century, of unknown origin.
None of which should be confused with the various jibs (a type of sail, a variant of jibe, to balk or be restless, the boom of a derrick).
---L.
