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

Other Word Forms

• kibitzer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of kibitz¹

1925–30, < 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

Mom mostly kept to herself, when she wasn’t attending Mass at Our Lady of Malibu Church or kibitzing with the checkout clerks at Ralphs.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

• admonish 
• caution 
• charge 
• commend 
• direct 
• encourage 
• instruct 
• point out 
• prepare 
• recommend 
• suggest 
• urge 
• warn