Rhubarb

Pronunciation

UK IPA: /ËˆÉ¹ÊŠuËŒbÉ‘Ë(É¹)b/

Origin

From Middle English rubarbe, from Old French, from Late Latin reubarbarum, from Latin Rha ("River Volga") (in the region from which the plant came to the Mediterraneum, cognate with New Latin Rheum) + barbarum ("barbarian")

development of meanings

Attributed to the practice by Charles Kean's theatre company c1852 at Princess Theatre, London of actors supposed to be talking together inaudibly, repetitively saying the word rhubarb, which was chosen because it does not have any harsh-sounding consonants or clear vowels. The usage has since broadened as noted at rhubarb rhubarb.
Attributed to baseball commentator Red Barber c1940. He claimed to have based the usage on the practice in "early radio dramas" (presumably in the US c1930) of actors repetitively voicing "rhubarb". However, unlike the UK usage, he felt the practice applied to muttering by an angry mob, so applied the word to arguments on the baseball field where he could not distinguish the words.
Appears to have developed by extension from 'angry exchage of words' sense, since it has no relevance to the original stage usage on either continent.

Full definition of rhubarb

Noun

rhubarb

(countable and uncountable; plural rhubarbs)

Any plant of the genus Rheum, especially , having large leaves and long green or reddish acidic leafstalks, that are edible, in particular when cooked (although the leaves are mildly poisonous).
The dried rhizome and roots of or , from China, used as a laxative and purgative.
A word repeated softly to emulate background conversation. (see rhubarb rhubarb).
An excited, angry exchange of words, especially at a sporting event.
(baseball) A brawl.
(military) An RAF World War II code name for operations by aircraft (fighters and fighter bombers) seeking opportunity targets.