Prattling: meaning, definitions and examples

🗣️

Add to dictionary

prattling

[ˈpræt.lɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

conversation

Talk at length in a foolish or inconsequential way.

Synonyms

babble, chatter, ramble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
prattling	Used when referring to someone talking for a long time about unimportant things, often in a way that can be annoying. Children often start prattling about their day at school as soon as they get home. He kept prattling on about his new hobby, and I couldn't get a word in edgewise.
chatter	Used for friendly, light, and informal conversation that might be continuous or quick. The students' chatter could be heard all the way down the hall. They spent the afternoon chattering about their summer plans.
babble	Often used to describe rapid, unintelligible or foolish talk, especially when someone is nervous or excited. She started to babble when she saw her favorite celebrity. The baby could only babble, but the sounds were endearing.
ramble	Refers to speaking or writing at length without a clear point or direction. It can be perceived negatively if it becomes boring or confusing. His letters always seemed to ramble without getting to the point. She tends to ramble when she's anxious, often losing track of her thoughts.

Examples of usage

She prattled on about her vacation for hours.
He prattled about random topics without making much sense.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

conversation

The action of talking at length in a foolish or inconsequential way.

Synonyms

babbling, chattering, rambling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
prattling	Refers to speaking in a childish or foolish manner, often about trivial or unimportant subjects, usually with a slightly annoying tone. The child was prattling on about his new toy for hours. She kept prattling about her weekend plans without realizing no one was listening.
chattering	Implies speaking quickly and at length, usually in a friendly or informal manner, often in a group setting. The students were chattering in the hallway before class. They spent the evening chattering about their favorite movies.
babbling	Describes speaking rapidly and continuously in an excited or incoherent way, often without much sense or understanding. The baby was babbling happily in his crib. After a few drinks, he started babbling about his childhood.
rambling	Describes speaking or writing in a confused or seemingly random way, often going off on tangents without a clear direction; can have a negative connotation. His letter was a long, rambling account of his travels. She tends to ramble when she's nervous, making it hard to follow her point.

Examples of usage

Her constant prattling became annoying after a while.
I couldn't focus on work with all the prattling going on around me.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Middle English word 'prattlen', a combination of 'prat', meaning to talk foolishly, and the suffix '-ling', which often indicates something small or lesser.
In Old English, 'pratt' meant to talk or gossip, showing that the root has been used for centuries to describe idle chatter.
The evolution into modern usage reflects a shift from merely talking to specifically indicating trivial or incessant speech.

Literature

In literature, prattling characters often serve as comic relief, adding humor and lightness to a story’s tone.
Famous works like 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' have instances of prattling, where characters engage in nonsensical conversations that enhance the whimsy of the narrative.
The technique of prattling can highlight contrasts between characters, often revealing important traits through their dialogue.

Psychology

Research in psychology shows that excessive prattling can be a sign of anxiety or nervousness, where individuals fill silence with chatter.
Conversational styles that include prattling may affect interpersonal relationships, as excessive talking could overwhelm the listener.
Some studies suggest that people who tend to prattle may be seeking validation or attention, reflecting deeper emotional needs.

Pop Culture

In television shows, characters known for prattling often become fan favorites, providing relatable and humorous moments.
Social media platforms are filled with prattling in the form of endless posts and comments, where users share every fleeting thought instantaneously.
Celebrities known for their prattling interviews can attract audiences, as their lively chatter often generates buzz and entertainment.

Cultural Perspectives

In some cultures, prattling is seen as a form of social bonding, where conversation is essential to building and maintaining relationships.
Conversely, in cultures that value directness, excessive prattling may be regarded as a waste of time or seen as annoying.
The art of prattling varies globally; while some see it as trivial, others embrace it as a vital aspect of daily interaction.

Translations

Translations of the word "prattling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tagarelice

🇮🇳 बकवास

🇩🇪 Geplapper

🇮🇩 ocehan

🇺🇦 базікання

🇵🇱 paplanina

🇯🇵 おしゃべり

🇫🇷 bavardage

🇪🇸 parloteo

🇹🇷 gevezelik

🇰🇷 지껄임

🇸🇦 ثرثرة

🇨🇿 žvanění

🇸🇰 tárajstvo

🇨🇳 唠叨

🇸🇮 klepetanje

🇮🇸 blaður

🇰🇿 бос сөз

🇬🇪 ბლუყუნი

🇦🇿 boşboğazlıq

🇲🇽 parloteo

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,439 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
33436 crepes
33437 filamentary
33438 foully
33439 prattling
33440 honked
33441 reintegrate
33442 amendable
...