Blathered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ฌ
Add to dictionary

blathered

[หˆblรฆรฐษ™rd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

informal speech

To blather means to talk about things in a nonsensical or foolish manner. It often implies a sense of rambling without much substance or clarity. When someone blathers, they may be chattering aimlessly and might not be making coherent points. This term is frequently used in informal contexts, where one person is perceived as wasting time or failing to communicate effectively.

Synonyms

babble, gossip, jabber, prattle.

Examples of usage

  • She blathered on about her vacation plans.
  • He tends to blather when he gets nervous.
  • They were blathering about politics at the party.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural References

  • In literature, characters often blather in comedic scenes to highlight their lack of awareness or depth.
  • Blathered is often found in satirical contexts, where excessive chatter is used to mock verbosity in politics or media.
  • Popular television shows often use characters who blather as comic relief, showing how excessive talking can lead to humorous misunderstandings.

Psychology

  • People often blather when nervous, as a way to fill silence and relieve anxiety.
  • The phenomenon of blathering can indicate a lack of confidence or mastery of the topic being discussed.
  • Researchers suggest that excessive talking without substance can sometimes be a defense mechanism against deeper issues.

Linguistics

  • Blather can be considered a type of 'filler' language, where speakers use unnecessary words to maintain flow in conversation.
  • The frequency of blathering can vary across cultures, with some valuing brevity over verbosity in communication.
  • There's a linguistic phenomenon called 'logorrhea', which describes excessive, often incoherent talk, closely related to the concept of blathering.

Popular Media

  • In the world of podcasts and vlogs, blathering can be a common critique, where hosts are encouraged to stay on topic.
  • Social media has created platforms where blathering is prevalent, often leading to information overload for consumers.
  • Comedians often write routines that emphasize blathering to poke fun at societal norms around communication and information sharing.

Origin of 'blathered'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'blather' originated from the Scottish word 'blather', which referred to silly talk or chatter.
  • It has roots in the Old Norse word 'blรฆรฐra', meaning to talk foolishly or nonsense.
  • In older dialects, it was used to describe the sound of someone babbling or boasting.

The word 'blather' is derived from the Scots language, where it means 'to talk foolishly or without purpose.' Its roots can be traced back to the 16th century, with the earliest uses relating to chatter or incessant talking. The gradual evolution of the term included variations in spelling and meaning influenced by social and cultural contexts in which it was used. As the term crossed into broader English usage, it retained its informal connotation of meaningless or trivial speech, often criticized for lack of depth or seriousness. By the 19th century, 'blather' had firmly established itself in colloquial English, particularly in discussions that highlight the absurdity or frivolity of the subject matter. This origin reflects the human tendency to engage in light-hearted banter or idle talk, particularly in social settings.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #42,113, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.