Yap
/jæp/noun
To bark or speak in a sharp, high-pitched, annoying, or incessant way.
Did you know?Unlike words with documented ancient roots, “yap” is probably sound-symbolic—its meaning grew directly from imitating the short, sharp noise of a small dog.
Etymological Timeline
Middle English
English
yappen
“A recorded or dialectal form associated with barking or making a sharp vocal sound; its exact origin is uncertain.”
16th Century
English
yap
“To bark sharply, especially of a small dog; probably an imitative formation.”
17th Century
English
yap
“A sharp bark or the act of barking.”
19th Century
English
yap
“To chatter or talk noisily and irritatingly, extending the barking metaphor to human speech.”
Modern English
English
yap
“To bark repeatedly or to talk in an irritating, incessant manner; also a noun for such a sound or speech.”