gaby

English

Alternative forms

• gabey

Etymology

Origin uncertain.

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈɡeɪbi/, X-SAMPA: /"geIbi/
  • Rhymes: -eɪbi

Noun

gaby (plural gabies)

1. (regional) A stupid, foolish person; a simpleton; a dunce.
   • 1902, John Kendrick Bangs, Olympian Nights, ch. 10:

     "[Y]ou're a jobbernowl and a doodle, a maundering mooncalf and a blockheaded numps, a gaby and a loon; you're a Hatter!" I shrieked the last epithet.

   • 1913, D.H. Lawrence, Sons and Lovers, chapter 2:

     "You pair of gabeys!" she exclaimed. "You'll see him before the night's out."