kiebitzen

to kibitz, to observe curiously, possibly giving unwanted comments, especially at a card game, but also work being done etc.

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈkiːbɪt͡sn̩/

From older kiewischen, kiebitschen, meaning “to search, strip-search, investigate” in thieves’ cant (Rotwelsch). Further origin uncertain. Possibly from Yiddish כובש זײַן (koyvesh zayn, “to oppress, distress”), from Hebrew כבש (kāvāš). Later associated with Kiebitz (“lapwing”), but direct derivation from it is unlikely.