busybody
C1Informal, slightly pejorative
Definition
Meaning
A person who meddles in the affairs of others, especially in an officious or intrusive way.
Someone who shows excessive interest in the private concerns of others, often offering unsolicited advice or interference under the guise of being helpful.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term combines 'busy' (suggesting unnecessary activity) with 'body' (person). It implies the person is busy with matters that do not concern them. It is almost always used disapprovingly.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally common and carries the same connotations in both varieties.
Connotations
Consistently negative in both varieties, implying annoying, intrusive, and self-important behaviour.
Frequency
Moderately common in both BrE and AmE, with similar frequency in spoken and written informal contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[be/act like] a busybodyStop being such a busybody.accuse someone of being a busybodyVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A busybody is never welcome.”
- “Busybodies have long ears and short friendships.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be used informally to describe a colleague who interferes in projects not their own.
Academic
Very rare. The concept is more likely discussed in sociology or social psychology under terms like 'unsolicited intervention'.
Everyday
Common in informal speech to criticise someone who is overly inquisitive or interfering in neighbours' or family matters.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A – 'busybody' is not used as a verb.
American English
- N/A – 'busybody' is not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A – 'busybody' is not used as an adjective. The related adjective is 'busybodied' (archaic).
American English
- N/A – 'busybody' is not used as an adjective. The related adjective is 'busybodied' (archaic).
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My neighbour is a busybody. She always asks too many questions.
- Don't be such a busybody! It's not your problem to solve.
- The local busybody had spread rumours about the new family before they'd even unpacked.
- Her reputation as an officious busybody meant that colleagues were reluctant to share any personal details with her.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'busy' 'body' – a person whose body (self) is unnecessarily busy in other people's business.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTRUSIVENESS IS UNWANTED PHYSICAL PRESENCE (poking one's nose in).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'занятое тело'. The correct equivalent is 'любопытная Варвара', 'совать нос не в своё дело', or 'назойливый человек'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a compliment (it is always negative).
- Confusing it with 'busy bee' (which is positive, meaning industrious).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes a 'busybody'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is always a criticism or a pejorative term for someone who is intrusively interested in other people's matters.
No, 'busybody' is exclusively a noun. The action is described with verbs like 'meddle', 'interfere', or 'pry'.
A gossip primarily spreads rumours or talks about others. A busybody actively meddles and interferes in others' affairs, though they may also gossip.
Yes, terms like 'busy bee', 'go-getter', or 'helper' are positive. 'Busybody' is not the correct term for this.