drivel
UK[ˈdrɪv(ə)l]US[ˈdrɪvəl]
v
To talk nonsense in a childish or silly way.
n
Silly nonsense or meaningless talk.
Etymology
The word 'drivel' originates from Old English dreflian, meaning "to slaver or dribble." This root is likely onomatopoeic, imitating the sound or action of saliva flowing from the mouth. Over time, the meaning evolved metaphorically from physical dribbling to the verbal equivalent: speech that is as uncontrolled, messy, and worthless as spit. This semantic shift from a physical act to a metaphor for foolish talk illustrates a common pattern where words for bodily functions acquire pejorative abstract meanings.
Analysis
The word is a simplex. It is a native English word of imitative origin, likely related to Old English dreflian meaning "to slaver, to dribble," and influenced by Middle English drivelen.
Examples
He tends to drivel on about conspiracy theories when he's tired.
I turned off the interview; it was just a stream of self-important drivel.
Don't pay any attention to him—he's just driveling again.