The spelling of the term "indiarubber jaw" can be explained through its phonetic transcription using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable, "indi", is pronounced as "ɪnˈdaɪ", with the stress on the first syllable. The second syllable, "ar", is pronounced as "ˈær", while the final syllable, "ubber jaw", is pronounced as "ˈʌbər ˌdʒɔː". This term refers to someone who talks excessively or excessively repeats themselves, likened to a jaw made of Indian rubber that bounces back into its original shape.
Indiarubber jaw is a slang term used to describe a person who talks excessively or continually, often without consideration for others or the appropriateness of their words. The expression derives from two key components: "indiarubber," referencing the material used in the production of flexible rubber products, and "jaw," referring to the action of talking or moving one's mouth.
The term is used metaphorically to emphasize the perceived elasticity or endlessness of a person's jaw movements, suggesting that they have an insatiable desire to speak or an inability to stop talking. Those labeled as having an indiarubber jaw are often seen as lacking self-awareness and social cues, disregarding the impact of their words or the fact that they may be monopolizing a conversation.
Additionally, the term can also suggest that the person's speech lacks substance or meaning, resembling the rubbery texture of a material that does not allow for firmness or clarity. This implies that their words have a tendency to be superficial, monotonous, or devoid of valuable content.
Overall, the expression "indiarubber jaw" is a colloquialism used to describe someone who talks excessively, inappropriately, or without purpose, highlighting their insensitivity to others and their tendency to dominate conversations.
A peculiar condition of the jaw caused by the destruction of the bony tissue and its substitution by a dense whitish cancerous growth.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.