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Blathering Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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blathering

[ˈblæðərɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

talking nonsense

Blathering refers to the act of talking excessively or incoherently about trivial matters. It often connotes a lack of substance or depth in the conversation, leading to rambling or meaningless chatter. People who are blathering may be seen as not making much sense, often going off on tangents that can be frustrating to listeners. It's common to hear this term in contexts where someone is perceived to be wasting time with empty talk.

Synonyms

babbling, chattering, gabbling, prattling, rambling.

Examples of usage

  • He could not stop blathering about his weekend plans.
  • The politician was blathering on and on without addressing the real issues.
  • Whenever they get together, it's just a lot of blathering.
  • She was blathering about her favorite TV show instead of helping.
  • Don't just blather; make your point clear.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Blathering is often a trait of comedic characters in films and television, used for comic relief.
  • In podcasts and radio shows, hosts may indulge in blathering to entertain listeners with lighthearted banter.
  • Many internet influencers create content that involves blathering to engage their audiences casually.

Psychology

  • Talkativeness can be seen as an expression of extroversion, where individuals desire social engagement.
  • Research suggests that excessive blathering might occur when individuals feel anxious and prefer to fill silence with words.
  • Oversharing or blathering can be a defense mechanism to avoid deeper emotional discussions.

Literature

  • Writers often use blathering speech to develop characters that are comic or annoying, adding depth to storytelling.
  • In some novels, characters' blather can reveal important traits about their personality and motivations.
  • Poets might incorporate playful blather into their work to create rhythm or emphasize triviality.

Origin of 'blathering'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'blather' comes from an Old Norse word 'blatha,' which means to talk nonsense.
  • The term has been used in English since the 19th century to describe pointless talk.
  • It's often associated with gossip and chatter that lacks substance.

The word 'blathering' originates from the Irish term 'bladhra', which means 'to talk foolishly or to babble'. The use of 'blather' in English became common during the 18th century, carrying with it a connotation of speaking vapidly or without weight. It combines elements of both light-heartedness and frustration at the lack of meaningful contribution to a conversation. Over time, 'blathering' evolved to be more associated with excessive talking that lacks coherence or purpose. This term often carries a playful yet derogatory tone, reflecting how language evolves in social settings to address the nuances of communication. Its usage can often be found in both casual conversations and in literary contexts where characters may embody traits of over-expressive storytelling.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,927, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.