Jabberwock

English

Etymology

Nonsense word coined by Lewis Carroll in his poem Jabberwocky (q.v.), from the children's book Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There (1872). Carroll stated later, "The Anglo-Saxon word 'wocer' or 'wocor' signifies 'offspring' or 'fruit' [see oker]. Taking 'jabber' in its ordinary acceptation of 'excited and voluble discussion', this would give the meaning of 'the result of much excited and voluble discussion'..."

Pronunciation

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Proper noun

the Jabberwock

1. A fantastical dreaded monster with flaming eyes.

Translations

fantastical monster

• Afrikaans: Brabbelwog, Flabberjak
• Catalan: Borboterum, Endraper
• Czech: Žvahlav, Tlachapoud
• Danish: Kloppervok
• Dutch: Krakelwok, Wauwelwok, Koeterwaal
• Esperanto: Ĵargonbesto
• Estonian: Jorruline
• Finnish: Pekoraali
• French: Jaseroque, Bredoulochs, Berdouilleux
• Galician: Farfunguelleirán
• German: Zipferlak, Jammerwoch, Plapperloch, Schepperwock, Schebberroch, Schlabberwork, Brabbelback
• Hungarian: Szajkóhukk
• Italian: Ciciarampa, Ciarlestrone
• Latin: Gaberbocchus, Gabrobocchia, Iabervogas, Iabrocus, Iubavocus
• Norman: Dgiabl'yéouoque
• Norwegian: Dromeparden, Jabbervakken, Javraljaussir, Jabberokk
• Polish: Dziaberliada, Żabrołak, Dziaberlak, Dżabbersmok, Dżabrokłap, Żubrowołk, Dziwolęki
• Portuguese: Jaguadarte
• Romanian: Trăncăvici, Bâzdâboc
• Russian: Бармаглот (ru) (Barmaglot)
• Slovak: Taradúr
• Spanish: Fablistanón m, Galimatazo m, Guirigay m, Jerigóndor m
• Swedish: Tjatterskott, Tjatterslån
• Ukrainian: Бурмоковт (Burmokovt)
• Welsh: Siaberwoc