Chaff: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used to refer to the husks of grains that are separated and discarded during threshing. Can also be used metaphorically to describe something worthless or trivial.

• The farmer collected the wheat and separated it from the chaff.
• His comments were just chaff and added nothing of value to the discussion.

Refers to dried stalks of grains, often used as bedding for animals, material for crafting, or as building insulation. It can also describe something that is flimsy or insubstantial.

• The barn was filled with straw for the horses.
• His arguments were as flimsy as straw.

Typically used to refer to the husks and other debris separated from grains during threshing, or figuratively to mean something of little value or worth.

• Farmers separate the chaff from the wheat during harvest.
• Most of his talk was just chaff, not worth paying attention to.

Used to describe speech, writing, or ideas that are foolish, absurd, or have no meaning. It often has a dismissive tone.

• Stop talking nonsense and tell me what really happened.
• The child's story was pure nonsense, but it was funny.

Commonly used in British English to refer to waste material or items that are to be thrown away. It can also describe something deemed foolish or of no value.

• Take the rubbish out; the bin is full.
• His theory was dismissed as complete rubbish by the experts.

Commonly used in American English to refer to waste material or items that are no longer useful and are to be thrown away. It can also be used metaphorically to indicate something worthless or of poor quality.

• Please take the garbage out before it starts to smell.
• Don't listen to him; everything he says is just garbage.

This word is used when referring to light, playful, and often affectionate teasing or joking. It can be applied in friendly conversations where no harm is meant.

• They were chaffing each other about their favorite sports teams.
• She took his chaff with a smile, knowing it was all in good fun.

This term can be used when someone is making fun of another person in a playful manner. It's important to note it can sometimes have a negative connotation if the teasing is not received well.

• He likes to tease his sister by hiding her favorite book.
• They teased him about his new haircut, but he knew they didn't mean any harm.

This word is appropriate for any light-hearted comment or story intended to make people laugh. It is more general and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

• He told a hilarious joke that had everyone in stitches.
• Don't take it personally, it was just a joke.

Use 'banter' when describing a friendly and amusing exchange of teasing comments. It implies a back-and-forth conversation where both parties are engaging in light-hearted teasing.

• The banter between the two co-hosts made the radio show very entertaining.
• Their banter was so enjoyable that others around couldn't help but smile.