Wayne’s Word – Nattering

It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.

If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord

Today’s word is NATTERING (from the verb natter).

Nattering is a word I grew up hearing all the time in Northern Ireland. It usually means chatting away about nothing in particular but often with the quiet suggestion that you should probably be doing something more productive.

You’re meant to be working, tidying, or getting on with it but instead you’re nattering away. Talking for the sake of talking. Time slipping by while the job waits.

It’s a fun word because it’s rarely said with real annoyance. More a raised eyebrow than a telling-off. A reminder that life doesn’t always need to be rushed, even if there’s work to be done.

And if we’re honest, some of the best conversations and memories start when someone should really stop nattering and get back to work 😜.