<em>Is the word "busybody" an antonym to "lazybones" ?</em>

No, not at all. The term busybody has nothing to do with not being lazy.

A busybody is a person who meddles in other people's affairs. Every family, every neighbourhood and every workplace has a busybody! It's the person who wants to know everything that is going on, regardless of whether or not it concerns them, and who doesn't hesitate to give advice and interfere with everything that's happening. The stereotype is probably a forceful middle-aged woman with a bossy manner.

Howdy Julia,

Busybody is not an antonym to lazybones. Although the word does have "busy" as part of its composition, it does not mean somebody who is active. Rather, it means somebody who pries into the affairs of others, somebody who, in English, we might call "nosy". If somebody exhibits undue curiosity regarding the private matters of somebody else, you could not only call them a busybody, but you might also tell them to "mind their own beeswax".

These have very different meanings. Both are insults. A busybody is a person who is always trying to find out things about people. They do not mind their own business or personal affairs only. Looking for gossip by getting involved in conversations they weren't invited to.

Some people may define this busybody as a person who won't just sit down and relax. A person who has to be moving and doing something at all times. This definition is less of an insult. Context of situation will show which meaning is used.

A lazybones is simply a person who is too lazy or unwilling to do anything. It is sometimes said jokingly by a parent to get a child to get up and help. But if it is said seriously, it is an insult and not helpful.

Hope this helps you.

No, they're not antonyms. A busybody is a 'nosy' person who wants to find out about other people's business which should not be their concern. [A 'nosy' person is someone who pokes his nose into other people's affairs.]

' That Mrs S is such a busybody, she's always asking me what I'm doing.'

A lazybones, as the word suggests, is a lazy, idle person, who doesn't want to make an effort. It's a familiar word, and not particularly derogatory.

'My lazybones sister hasn't got up yet, she's still in bed.'

HI Julia,

This is not an antonym. There are a lot of synonyms to word "busybody" like "gossip" or "newsmonger". We call someone a busybody if he or she likes to spread fake news, uncertain information espacially personal things.