Definition of yap
Short definition: The word yap is used to say yes in a casual way or to describe nonstop talking that feels noisy or annoying, especially when someone keeps speaking without really saying anything important.
Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word yap? The word yap is informal and expressive, and you will often hear it in casual conversations. It can describe annoying or nonstop talking, short sharp sounds made by animals, or even light teasing between friends. In modern slang, it is commonly used online to criticize someone who talks too much without saying anything important. Below, each meaning is explained in a relaxed and natural way, so it feels human, clear, and easy to recognize in real situations.
Forms: yap, yaps, yapped, yapping
Related: talk v., bark v., chatter v.
Syllable: yap
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(Verb) To talk loudly quickly and often annoyingly especially without saying much of value.
To yap means to talk a lot in a fast and often irritating way, especially when the talking feels pointless, repetitive, or unwanted by the listener.
He kept yapping through the entire movie, making it impossible for anyone else to focus on what was happening on screen.She started yapping about the same story again, even though everyone had already heard it before.Stop yapping and get to the point, because we are running out of time.Synonyms: chatter, ramble, babble, talk nonstop, blabber, jabber, prattle, talk endlessly, run your mouth, keep talking, go on and on, chatter away
Antonyms: be quiet, stay silent, listen, stop talking, hush, remain silent, keep quiet, say nothing, pause, hold your tongue, stay still, calm down -
(Verb) To make short sharp barking sounds like a small dog.
Yap can describe the high pitched repeated barking sound made by small dogs, especially when they are excited nervous or trying to get attention.
The small dog kept yapping at everyone who walked past the gate, even though it posed no real threat.We could hear the puppy yap loudly from inside the house whenever someone rang the doorbell.The neighbor’s dog yapped all night, making it hard to sleep.Synonyms: bark sharply, yelp, squeak bark, snap bark, high pitched bark, sharp bark, dog noise, animal yap, quick bark, short bark, excited bark, nervous bark
Antonyms: stay quiet, remain silent, calm down, no barking, quiet animal, stillness, silence, gentle quiet, mute sound, peaceful moment, calm behavior, no noise -
(Noun) Annoying talk or noise that feels constant and unwanted.
A yap can refer to annoying speech or sound, especially when someone keeps talking or making noise that others do not want to hear.
All the yap in the background made it hard to concentrate during the meeting.He ignored the constant yap and focused on finishing his work.The room was filled with endless yap from people arguing over small details.Synonyms: noise, chatter, babble, nonstop talk, background noise, annoying sound, constant talking, loud talk, verbal noise, useless talk, distraction, clatter
Antonyms: silence, quiet, calm, peace, stillness, no noise, focused atmosphere, quiet space, calm moment, order, tranquility, hush -
(Slang) A dismissive way to criticize someone for talking too much online or in real life.
In modern slang, people use yap to mock or dismiss someone who keeps talking or posting opinions that feel unnecessary, meaningless, or annoying.
He told them to stop yapping in the comments and actually read the article first.People online said he was just yapping with no real argument to support his point.She muted the chat because it was full of pointless yap.Synonyms: talk nonsense, ramble online, empty talk, noise posting, pointless chatter, verbal spam, useless talking, online babble, meaningless speech, loud opinions, pointless debate, chatter posting
Antonyms: meaningful talk, thoughtful speech, clear point, silence, listening, useful discussion, focused conversation, smart comment, valuable input, calm response, well said, good argument