gabfest

Gabfest is a colloquial noun used to describe a long, informal conversation or gathering centered on discussion or chat. The term conveys a sense of lively, extended talk and is often used humorously or with mild criticism to suggest that participants are talking at length rather than listening.

Etymologyally, gabfest is a compound of gab, meaning talk, and fest, a shortened form of festival. The combination evokes a social gathering whose primary activity is conversation, sometimes implying an abundance of talk.

In media and popular culture, Gabfest is the title of several podcasts published by Slate Magazine, most notably the Political Gabfest and the Culture Gabfest. These programs feature journalists, experts, and commentators who discuss politics, current events, and culture in a moderated roundtable format. The gabfests are known for in-depth analysis delivered in a conversational tone, often drawing on background knowledge and recent developments.

Outside media branding, gabfest is used more broadly to describe any social or professional gathering characterized by extended discussion, such as office gabfests or after-dinner gabfests. The term can carry either a neutral or a slightly negative connotation, depending on context.

See also: talk show, panel discussion, roundtable, chitchat.