drivel
UK: ˈdrɪv.əl | US: ˈdrɪv.əl
n. silly or meaningless talk; nonsense
vi. to talk nonsense or childishly
vi. (archaic) to let saliva flow from the mouth; drool
The word "drivel" originates from Old English dreflian, meaning "to drool or slobber," reflecting its early association with uncontrolled saliva flow. Over time, it evolved metaphorically to describe speech as meaningless or childish—akin to the incoherence of drooling. The suffix -el adds a repetitive or habitual action nuance, emphasizing the trivial or incessant nature of such talk.
His speech was pure drivel, lacking any logical argument.
The toddler drivels endlessly while teething.
Politicians often drivel when avoiding tough questions.
She ignored the drivel in the gossip magazine.
(Archaic) The sick man driveled onto his pillow.