prattle etymology

Etymology

The word "prattle" is derived from the Middle English word "praten," which means "to talk idly or childishly." It is likely descended from the Old English word "pratian," which has a similar meaning.

Meaning

  • To talk in a foolish or trivial way
  • To chatter meaninglessly
  • To speak without thinking
  • To talk excessively or incessantly

Origin

The word "prattle" has been in use in English since the 14th century. It was originally a derogatory term used to describe the speech of children or uneducated people. Over time, it came to be used more broadly to describe any kind of empty or foolish talk.

Usage

The word "prattle" is often used in a negative sense, to describe speech that is considered to be annoying, pointless, or foolish. However, it can also be used in a more playful way, to describe the innocent chatter of children.

Examples of usage:

  • "The children's prattle filled the air with a cheerful noise."
  • "She prattled on for hours, but I couldn't make any sense of what she was saying."
  • "I'm tired of your constant prattle. Can't you just shut up for once?"

prattle relate terms

  • prate

    Etymology Proto Indo European root h₁preh₂ to spread Old English spreotan

  • prittle prattle

    Etymology Origin The word prittle prattle is derived from the following Middle En

  • prattle

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

  • chatter

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

  • palaver

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

  • maunder

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

  • lunch

    Etymology The word lunch is derived from the Old English word nuncheon meaning a l

  • tattle

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

  • 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

  • mouth

    Etymology The word mouth comes from the Old English word mūþ which is believed to

  • speak

    Etymology The word speak originates from the Old English word specan which means to

  • ratchet

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