blather etymology

Etymology:

The word "blather" is derived from the Middle English term "blateren," which means "to babble" or "to chatter." It is thought to be onomatopoeic in origin, imitating the sound of rapid, meaningless speech.

Meaning:

  • To talk excessively or nonsensically
  • To utter empty or irrelevant words
  • To boast or exaggerate
  • To talk incoherently or inarticulately
  • To make meaningless or exaggerated statements

Origin:

The earliest known usage of "blather" in English can be traced back to the late 14th century. It was initially used as a noun to describe the sound of babbling or chatter, but by the 16th century, it had evolved into a verb meaning "to talk excessively or nonsensically."

Over time, "blather" came to have negative connotations, suggesting speech that is empty, irrelevant, or meaningless. It is often used in a derogatory sense to describe someone who is talking too much or saying nothing of substance.

Examples of Usage:

  • "The politician's speech was full of blather and hot air."
  • "I can't understand a word he's saying, he's just blathering on."
  • "Stop blathering and get to the point!"
  • "His blather about being a 'genius' is nothing but empty boasting."
  • "The witness couldn't remember the details of the incident, just a lot of incoherent blather."

blather relate terms

  • bladder

    Etymology Middle English bladre from Old English blædre blæddre Proto Germanic b

  • blatherskite

    Etymology The word blatherskite originated in the early 17th century It is a corrupti

  • blather

    Etymology The word blather is derived from the Middle English term blateren which m

  • skite

    Etymology The word skite comes from the Greek word skitēs which means a dweller i

  • babble

    Etymology The word babble is derived from the following sources Old English babel

  • smatter

    Etymology Middle English smoteren probably from an Old Norse word meaning to dabble

  • ratchet

    Etymology The word ratchet originates from Old French rachete meaning a catch or de

  • chatter

    Etymology Middle English chatter from Old English cæterian meaning to talk rapi

  • taper

    Etymology Late Latin taperium taper Old French taper to tap Latin tappare t

  • prate

    Etymology Proto Indo European root h₁preh₂ to spread Old English spreotan

  • maunder

    Etymology The word maunder comes from the Middle English word maundren which in turn

  • palaver

    Etymology The word palaver comes from the Portuguese word palavra which means word

  • tattle

    Etymology Middle English tatelen from Old English tatol meaning to grope fumble ha

  • prattle

    Etymology The word prattle is derived from the Middle English word praten which mean