But I was inside out, till when
I met my wife—the sight
Quite turned me outside in again—
She’d bleached her black hair white!
Gub´ble, n. 1. A murmuring of many voices. 2. Society chatter.
Gub´ble, v. To indulge in meaningless conversation.
Gub´ble-go, n. 1. A crowded reception, a talking contest.
It’s like some huge, slimy reptile, with a hundred mouths, all murmuring. As you are admitted to the house, as the servant takes your hat and cane, the far-off sounds of gubbling strike you with terror; but it must be done. In you go. Everyone is talking, but no one is listening. Say anything you like—it will be lost in the gubble.
There’s gubble in a wordy play. There’s gubble at the steamer when you see a friend off for Europe—a flattering gubble, after you have performed in public. (See Wumgush.)
Letters of condolence usually consist of gubble. Editorials about marine or railway disasters are gubble. So are funeral sermons. (See Alibosh.)
I entered, and I heard the hum
Of multitudinous gubble;
And I was terrified and dumb,
Anticipating trouble.
When I remarked that hens had lice,
(Not knowing what I said),
My hostess smiled, and said “How nice!
Let me present Miss Stead!”