The word "nattered" is spelled with two t's, as indicated by the phonetic transcription /ˈnætərd/. The first syllable is pronounced with the vowel sound "æ" as in "cat," while the second syllable has the schwa sound "ə." The two t's indicate a past tense verb form, meaning that someone has nattered in the past. Nattering is a colloquial term used to describe long, ceaseless chatter or gossip, usually between friends or acquaintances.
Nattered is a verb that refers to engaging in idle or trivial conversation, often in a continuous and chatty manner. The term typically carries a connotation of incessant, nonessential, or sometimes annoying talking. It involves speaking without any particular purpose or significance, focusing on trivial or insignificant matters, and often with a lack of depth or substance. Nattered conversations tend to revolve around superficial topics, anecdotes, or gossip, rather than engaging in meaningful or important discussions.
The term is often used to describe conversations that are characterized by a rapid exchange of words, where individuals speak rapidly and continuously, without giving each other space to interject or contribute. Nattering conversations can occur in a variety of settings, such as informal social gatherings, coffeehouse discussions, or casual encounters between friends.
While nattered conversations are often perceived as light-hearted and convivial, they can also be seen as a form of mindless or inconsequential chatter. Some may find nattering to be an annoyance or a waste of time, especially if it hinders more productive or meaningful communication.
In summary, to natter means to participate in a conversation that is idle, trivial, and lacking substantive content. It involves engaging in chatter that is often superficial, without a clear purpose, and potentially annoying to some individuals involved.
The word "nattered" is derived from the verb "natter". It originated in British English in the 19th century and is thought to be a variant of the word "gnatter", which means to grumble or complain. The exact etymology of "gnatter" is uncertain, but it could be related to the Middle Low German word "nateren" or the Dutch word "nattelen", both of which mean to gnaw or to grind one's teeth. Over time, "natter" has come to mean chatting or talking aimlessly or incessantly, often in an inconsequential or complaining manner. The past tense form "nattered" is used to describe someone who engaged in such talking.