kibitz

[ kib-its ]

verb (used without object)

1. to act as a kibitzer.

verb (used with object)

1. to offer advice or criticism to as a kibitzer:

   to kibitz the team from the bleachers.

kibitz

/ ˈkɪbɪts /

verb

1. informal.
   intr to interfere or offer unwanted advice, esp as a spectator at a card game

Derived Forms

• ˈkibitzer, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of kibitz¹

1925–30, Americanism; < Yiddish kibetsn, equivalent to German kiebitzen to look on at cards, derivative of Kiebitz busybody, literally, lapwing, plover

Word History and Origins

Origin of kibitz¹

C20: from Yiddish kibitzen, from German kiebitzen to be an onlooker, from Kiebitz busybody, literally: plover

Example Sentences

Even among the kibitzing chorus, there’s little agreement over exactly what could cost the party control of Congress.

From New York Times

All wisecracking and kibitzing cease and everyone’s attention turns to the fishing pole arching over against the weight of a fish tugging the line taut.

From Seattle Times

Should I really be chuckling over the droll lyrics of kibitzing bystanders?

From Los Angeles Times

As the treasure hunters search, the mystery figure kibitzes.

From Washington Post

“Mrs. Thomas’s text messages are embarrassing but amount to an outsider kibitzing and commiserating with the White House chief of staff,” said the Friday editorial.

From Washington Times