kibitzer

American  

[kib-it-ser] / ˈkɪb ɪt sər /

noun

Informal.

1. a spectator at a card game who looks at the players' cards over their shoulders, especially one who gives unsolicited advice.

2. a giver of uninvited or unwanted advice.

   Synonyms:

   snoop, busybody, meddler

3. a person who jokes, chitchats, or makes wisecracks, especially while others are trying to work or to discuss something seriously.

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Etymology

Origin of kibitzer

First recorded in 1925–30; from Yiddish kibitser; kibitz, -er ¹

Example Sentences

“I found him to be a kibitzer, who liked to joke around with the guys, but had no serious interest in pursuing ideas and arguments,” Pinker said.

From Washington Post • Sep. 17, 2019

He’s also a grade-A kibitzer, a gregarious character, whose chatty and self-effacing wit bespeaks his Queens upbringing and Eastern European-Jewish heritage.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 17, 2016

This means a president, like a candidate, must be highly skeptical of the kibitzer.

From Slate • Sep. 27, 2012

The kibitzer at the gym wasn't even a runner, Dr. Raglin added.

From New York Times • Sep. 17, 2012

Do you really think that we found your outpost on our own, oh Bernibus the ‘deputy kibitzer’?

From The Revolutions of Time by Dunn, Jonathan