chatter

Chatter is casual, rapid, or inconsequential talk among people. It encompasses small talk, gossip, and other forms of conversational exchange that are informal and non-structured. Chatter is often considered a social lubricant, helping to ease introductions and maintain relationships, but it can also be perceived as noise or distraction in formal settings.

In social settings, chatter varies with context, culture, and familiarity. It can serve as social bonding, and enable information sharing, but may also spread rumors or surface-level content that is quickly forgotten.

Chatter also describes a rapid, staccato sound produced by some animals, such as the chattering of teeth in cold conditions, or the chattering calls of certain birds and primates.

In engineering and manufacturing, chatter refers to self-excited vibration of the cutting tool and workpiece during machining, degrading surface finish and tool life. Causes include cutting parameters, rigidity, and resonance; mitigation includes slower feed rates, improved damping, tool selection, and stiff machine setups.

In information technology and online culture, chatter denotes the rapid stream of messages in chat channels, forums, or informal streams; it can be noisy and ephemeral, but also valuable for real-time communication.

Etymology: The term derives from the English verb to chatter, an onomatopoeic representation of rapid, purposive talk, dating to the Middle Ages. Related terms include small talk, gab, and gossip.