What does natter mean?
Natter is an informal British and Irish word for talking and chatting in a relaxed, familiar way. As a verb, it means to converse at length without the formality or focus associated with a discussion, meeting, or negotiation: “We nattered about our plans.” As a noun, a natter is an informal chat, often between friends and often focused on a particular subject. The expression is commonly used with “about” or “on,” as in “a natter about the weekend,” and is associated with relaxed domestic or social encounters. Although now chiefly British, natter reflects the broader English tendency to distinguish casual conversation from more purposeful speech. It is useful because it conveys both informality and a sense of extended, comfortable interaction. Unlike “gossip,” however, it does not inherently imply spreading private or potentially damaging information.
To talk informally, especially at length in a relaxed and familiar manner.
"They nattered about their plans while the children played."
Chiefly British and Irish. It is normally intransitive and commonly followed by “about” or “on.”
An informal, relaxed conversation or chat.
"We had a natter about the upcoming holiday."
Chiefly British and Irish. Often used in the pattern “a natter about” or “a natter on.”
The regular plural is used for separate informal conversations.
"Their friendly natters often lasted for hours."
A natter is a distinctly British chat: relaxed, informal, and often longer than a quick conversation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does natter come from?
Natter entered English in the late eighteenth century, probably from German nattern, meaning “to chatter.” Its development in British English preserved the word's informal sense of extended, animated conversation. The modern noun meaning “an informal chat” developed alongside the older verb.
Related word forms
How natter is actually used
Chiefly British and Irish in current use. It is informal and usually implies a relaxed, friendly conversation rather than formal discussion; the noun can also refer to the conversation's subject matter, as in “a natter about football.”
Easily confused with natter
A natter is relaxed conversation, whereas to nag someone is to criticize or annoy them persistently.