Drivel
/ˈdrɪv.əl/noun
Nonsense, foolish talk, or slobbering saliva.
Did you know?In Middle English, related forms of drivel could literally mean to let saliva run from the mouth, and that physical image later hardened into the insult for empty, foolish speech.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
drifelian
“to drip, trickle, or let fall in drops”
Middle English
ME
drivelen
“to slobber or let saliva run from the mouth”
Late Middle English
ME
drivel
“slobbering, foolish speech”
17th Century
English
drivel
“nonsense, silly or trivial talk”
Modern English
English
drivel
“foolish, pointless, or worthless talk”