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Nattering Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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nattering

[ˈnætərɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

casual conversation

Nattering refers to the act of chatting or talking in a casual, light-hearted manner. It often implies a sense of frivolousness, or chatting about trivial matters without any serious intent. The term can suggest that the person speaking is rambling or going on without a clear point. Nattering is typically seen as informal, and it can be associated with friends or acquaintances sharing thoughts in a playful way.

Synonyms

babbling, chattering, gossiping.

Examples of usage

  • We spent the afternoon nattering about our favorite TV shows.
  • She was nattering on the phone with her friends for hours.
  • They enjoyed nattering over coffee at the cafe.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In popular British TV shows, characters often engage in nattering during tea breaks, showcasing social bonding.
  • The phrase 'natterbox' is affectionately used to describe someone who talks a lot, often in a humorous way.

Communication Studies

  • Research shows that light-hearted nattering can enhance social connections and relieve stress among friends.
  • Casual conversation is crucial for developing interpersonal skills and maintaining friendships in various cultures.

Psychology

  • Casual chatting activates similar areas in the brain as serious conversation, emphasizing its importance in social bonding.
  • Nattering can serve as a coping mechanism for anxiety, providing a sense of belonging and normalcy.

Literature

  • In many novels, characters' nattering serves as comic relief, reflecting their personalities and cultural backgrounds.
  • Famous authors have often used nattering as a narrative technique to reveal character dynamics and social settings.

Origin of 'nattering'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'natter' originated in the early 20th century, derived from the British dialect, where it meant to talk idly.
  • It is believed to be related to the sound made by a chatter or chatterer – buzzing or continuous talking.

The term 'natter' originates from the mid-19th century in the UK, possibly a colloquial derivation from the earlier word 'natter' which means to chatter or talk rapidly. It is thought to have roots in the dialectal use of 'natter' referring to incessant talking or chatting, often about trivial or insignificant matters. The informal nature of the word suggests its usage among friends and in social settings, reinforcing its association with light-hearted conversation. Over time, 'nattering' has become a popular term to describe any informal chit-chat, particularly when it conveys a sense of irrelevance or frivolity.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,604, 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.