Prattle

To prattle means to talk at length in a foolish, inconsequential, or childish way; to chatter. This speech is often characterized by its trivial nature, rapid pace, and lack of depth. It often occurs when someone is feeling nervous, excited, or trying to fill a void in conversation, or simply because the speaker enjoys the sound of their own voice. Prattling can be an annoying habit to others, especially if it interrupts a more important discussion or is a means of wasting people's time. This type of speech lacks substance, direction, and often has little to no value to others. It should also be noted that sometimes the term is used lovingly with children, but it's most often a negative adjective for other speech.

Prattle meaning with examples

• The children, energized from their sugar-filled treat, began to prattle on endlessly about the playground, giggling and interrupting each other's stories with no regard for a coherent narrative. Their parents smiled, though, it was mostly to themselves to hear the young voices bubbling about. The other patrons were trying to have a peaceful dinner.
• He would prattle incessantly during meetings, offering irrelevant anecdotes and rambling tangents that wasted everyone's time and left them feeling exasperated and looking at the clock to get out of there. The executive team would try to ignore him, but his voice was a constant distraction.
• Instead of discussing the pressing issues at hand, the politicians resorted to *prattling* about their personal accomplishments, which led to the audience questioning the seriousness of the candidates. The debate seemed destined to go nowhere but into a spiral of empty words.
• After the long plane ride, she began to prattle nervously about all the things she had to do, her voice barely above a whisper. She was jet-lagged, but her companion listened with the patience of a close friend.
• The old man would prattle for hours about his youth, recounting details that were insignificant to those around him, but held immense meaning for him alone. To him, they were rich memories. The young people in the nursing home tolerated his speech, remembering the years he spent as a caring neighbor.