Definition of the word gibe

The word "gibe" originated in Middle English around the 1300s. It comes from the Old French word "gip" which meant "grimace" or "scoff." The term was likely adopted from Old Norse, which used a similar word, "gífa," meaning "poison" or "venom." In Middle English, "gibe" was originally used to mean a facial expression or grimace, usually in a negative or insulting context. It also referred to a type of wooden frame used to support fruit trees during growth. Over time, the meaning of "gibe" expanded to include a derisive or mocking remark or taunt. This meaning endured and is still used today in spoken English, while the original meaning of a facial expression or grimace has fallen out of use. Interestingly, the pronunciation of "gibe" has changed over the centuries as well. In Middle English, it was pronounced with a soft "g" sound, as in the word "geese." Today, the initial "g" is pronounced with a hard "g" sound, as in "game." In summary, the word "gibe" originated in Middle English as a term for a facial expression or grimace, likely adopted from Old Norse. Its meaning evolved to include a derisive remark, while its pronunciation has also changed over time.