Glib

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Glib

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

adjective

Pronunciation

glib  /ɡlɪb/

Definition

Showing little thought, preparation, or concern; fluent and easy to the point of being insincere or superficial; speaking or spoken in a ready, smooth, and easy manner that lacks sincerity.

Plain meaning

Glib means slickly smooth in speech — saying things that sound convincing but lack depth or sincerity. A glib answer is too easy; a glib person talks their way through things without real substance.

Register

Mildly negative to critically negative. Calling someone glib is a substantive criticism — it accuses them of substituting fluency for substance, charm for sincerity. Common in political and critical commentary.