A frivolous, flighty, or excessively talkative person.

Origin: The word 'flibbertigibbet' has its origins in Middle English, where it appeared as 'flepergebet', a term used to describe a chattering or gossiping person. It is believed to be onomatopoeic, mimicking the sound of meaningless chatter. The word evolved through the influence of similar-sounding words in English dialects, eventually leading to its modern form. Historical and Cultural Context: First attested in the 15th century, 'flibbertigibbet' was used to describe not only gossipy people but also mischievous spirits or imps. Shakespeare used the term in 'King Lear' to name a devilish character, which reflects its early cultural association with mischievousness and triviality. Evolution: Over time, the word's usage shifted from describing supernatural beings to its current meaning, focusing on human behavior. It shares cognates with other whimsical terms in English, like 'flapdoodle' and 'flummery', all depicting nonsensical chatter. Modern Relevance: Today, 'flibbertigibbet' is used humorously to describe someone who talks excessively or acts in a flighty manner. It is often employed in a light-hearted or affectionate context, without the negative connotations of its historical usage.

The word 'flibbertigibbet' is famously used in the musical 'The Sound of Music' as part of a song describing the character Maria, illustrating its playful connotation.