1 C1 idiomatic slang
To speak rudely, aggressively, or in a confrontational way, especially in public.
"He started gobbing off at the referee and got sent off the pitch."
gob off
C1 slang intransitive
To speak loudly, rudely, or boastfully, often without being asked for an opinion.
In plain English
To talk too much in a rude or showy way.
What does "gob off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic slang
To boast or show off by talking loudly and at length.
"She's always gobbing off about how much money her new job pays."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
'Gob' is British slang for 'mouth'; 'gob off' literally suggests letting your mouth run loose.
Actually means
To talk too much in a rude or showy way.
Usage tip
Exclusively British English slang. Often implies the speaker is being embarrassing, aggressive, or annoying. Frequently used to criticise someone who interrupts, brags, or causes a scene verbally.
Words that pair with "gob off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
pub crowd everyone teacher boss strangers
How to conjugate "gob off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
gob off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gobs off
he/she/it
Past simple
gobed off
yesterday
Past participle
gobed off
have + pp
-ing form
gobing off
continuous
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