What it means
Gobby means mouthy, loud, and a bit cheeky. It’s for someone who’s always got something to say and says it with their whole chest, whether anyone asked or not. Can be banter between mates or a proper dig if someone’s being rude, pushy, or chatting over everyone.
Usage examples
"She’s so gobby, mate. We’re in the chippy and she’s telling the bloke how to do his job, like she owns the fryer."
"My cousin from Leeds is proper gobby at every family wedding, corners the new in-laws on the second cocktail to explain how mortgages really work in the north of England, and her husband stands by the buffet table eating sausage rolls with the patient look of a saint."
"The new barman at the Crown and Anchor in Bristol is a bit gobby for my taste, comments on every order with unsolicited opinions about beer styles, the regulars have started ordering by pointing at the pump rather than speaking, and the manager has had three quiet words this week alone."
"Don’t get gobby with the waitress, mate. She only asked what you wanted, not for your life story and a lecture on chips."
"He’s a bit gobby after two pints, starts chatting like he runs the place, then goes dead quiet when someone finally bites back."
Where it comes from
It comes from gob, an old and very common British and Irish slang word for mouth. Gobby showed up in British English in the 20th century as the natural spin-off for someone who’s mouthy, outspoken, or too free with their opinions. It’s still widely used across the UK and Ireland.
