What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gibberish
Example
The drunk man was speaking gibberish and no one could understand him. [gibberish: noun]
Example
The instructions were written in gibberish and made no sense. [gibberish: adjective]
nonsense
Example
Don't listen to him, he's talking nonsense. [nonsense: noun]
Example
It's nonsense to believe that the earth is flat. [nonsense: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nonsense is more commonly used than gibberish in everyday language. Nonsense is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while gibberish is less common and refers specifically to speech or language that is difficult to understand.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gibberish and nonsense?
Both gibberish and nonsense are informal words that are used in casual conversation. However, nonsense can also be used in formal contexts to criticize or dismiss an idea or argument that lacks sense or evidence.