busybody
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A person who meddles in the affairs of others: A busybody is someone who interferes or pries into matters that are not their concern, often in an officious or annoying way.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Our neighbor is a notorious busybody who always comments on how we maintain our garden.
- She didn't appreciate the office busybody asking personal questions about her finances.
- The committee meeting was slowed down by a busybody who wanted to debate every minor detail.
Advanced Usage
- "To be a busybody": To habitually engage in meddling behavior.
- He has a reputation for being a busybody, always offering unsolicited advice.
- "Busybody tendencies": The characteristic of being inclined to meddle.
- Her busybody tendencies often lead to conflicts with her colleagues.
Variants and Related Words
- Busybodied (adj, archaic): Having the characteristics of a busybody; meddlesome.
- The play featured a busybodied aunt who caused chaos in the household.
- Meddler (n): A synonym for a busybody; one who interferes.
- Kibitzer (n): An onlooker who offers unwanted advice, especially in a game or activity.
Synonyms
- Meddler: One who interferes.
- Nosy Parker (informal, chiefly British): An inquisitive or prying person.
- Interloper: A person who becomes involved in a place or situation where they are not wanted.
- Buttinsky (informal): A person who habitually butts in or intrudes.
Related Phrases
- To stick one's nose into something: To pry or meddle in something.
- I wish he would stop sticking his nose into my personal affairs.
- To be all up in someone's business (informal): To be overly involved in or curious about another person's private matters.
Related Idioms
- A little bird told me: A phrase used to indicate one has heard a piece of information without revealing the source, often associated with gossip or prying.
- "A little bird told me you're planning a trip." – said the office busybody.
Noun
- a person who meddles in the affairs of others