Yammer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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yammer

[ˈjæmər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

talk continuously

To yammer means to make a loud, repetitive noise or to talk incessantly in a way that may be annoying or tiresome. It often implies a lack of substance in the conversation, focusing more on the act of speaking itself rather than any meaningful content.

Synonyms

babble, prattle, ramble.

Examples of usage

  • The children yammered on and on about their favorite games.
  • She couldn't concentrate at work due to her colleague yammering beside her.
  • During the meeting, he yammered about his weekend plans, distracting everyone.
  • The crowd began to yammer as they waited for the concert to start.
Context #2 | Verb

complain loudly

Yammer can also refer to complaining or expressing dissatisfaction in a loud or persistent manner. It may be associated with whiny or grumbling speech.

Synonyms

complain, grumble, whine.

Examples of usage

  • He started to yammer about the unfair treatment he received at work.
  • Stop yammering and just get to the point!
  • The customers yammered about the long wait times at the restaurant.
  • I don't want to hear you yammer about the weather; let's talk about something else.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Communication Styles

  • Yammering is often associated with informal communication settings, such as social gatherings.
  • In workplaces, excessive yammering may hinder productivity, as constant chatter can distract from focused tasks.
  • People may use yammering as a way to bond, sometimes leading to both positive connections and conflicts.

Cultural References

  • The term gained popularity in the digital age as social media platforms became spaces for 'yammering' in written form.
  • Comedic portrayals in films often depict yammering characters as loud, annoying, or overly enthusiastic.
  • In some cultures, yammering is viewed positively, as a sign of sociability and community engagement.

Psychology

  • Yammering can be a way for individuals to express emotions or assert their presence in a group.
  • Research suggests that people may yammer to feel connected, even if it doesn't lead to meaningful conversation.
  • Excessive yammering can sometimes indicate anxiety, where individuals feel the need to fill silence with words.

Technology

  • The term 'yammer' is also the name of a business communication tool that focuses on real-time conversations.
  • Yammer (the platform) aims to improve team collaboration, but can also lead to yammer-like distractions within organizations.
  • Technological devices, like smartphones, have made it easier for people to engage in yammering through various communication channels.

Origin of 'yammer'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'yammer' comes from the Middle English word 'yammeren,' meaning to babble or talk incessantly.
  • It is related to the Old English word 'geamian,' which means to shout or cry out.
  • The evolution of 'yammer' reflects a playful exaggeration of speech over the centuries.

The word 'yammer' has its origins in Middle English, where it was likely derived from the Old English verb 'geammrian', which means to make a noise or to shout. The concept of noise-making is further echoed in its later evolution, which suggests both the act of speaking loudly and conveying a sense of annoyance. This term has evolved over centuries, initially pertaining to animal sounds before transitioning into a description of human chatter, particularly in contexts of annoyance or unnecessary loudness. Its usage has become more prevalent in modern informal English, reflecting both everyday conversation and colloquial speech. 'Yammer' is a great example of how language evolves with cultural changes and social behaviors, particularly in contexts where excess noise becomes a social topic.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,867, 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.