Useful English Word or Phrase to Boost Your English: Gob Off

Quick summary: British slang meaning to talk cheekily, rudely, or mouth off at someone.

What does it mean?

To gob off means to talk cheekily, rudely, or mouth off at someone — usually implies disrespectful or mouthy talk back to an authority figure or in an argument.

Is it positive or negative?

Negative. It always describes rude or disrespectful talk.

When do you use it?

Use it when describing someone talking back rudely, especially to a teacher, boss, or parent.

Examples

Example 1: He got detention for gobbing off at the teacher.

Example 2: Don't gob off at me, I'm only trying to help.

Question for you

Have you ever been tempted to gob off at someone in authority?

Learn to Argue Your Point Without Gobbing Off

There's a real skill in disagreeing in English politely, without gobbing off — I teach exactly that kind of nuance. My online English lessons with a British native speaker can help. Book a lesson here.