What does nattery mean?
A nattery is someone who is notably talkative, particularly in an informal, animated, or sociable manner. The word can describe a habitual chatterer as well as someone who becomes especially loquacious in a particular situation. It is chiefly associated with British English and is commonly used in a lightly teasing or affectionate way, although the term can become critical when the speaker is irritated by the person’s constant talking. “What a nattery!” may sound like friendly banter, while a more negative context can imply that someone is tiresomely incapable of keeping quiet. The word is related to the informal verb “natter,” meaning to chat or talk idly, and the suffix “-y” forms a noun referring to a person who does something. Although the expression is not especially formal, it is vivid and memorable because it captures both the social pleasure and occasional irritation of an especially talkative person.
nounA nattery is a person who talks a great deal, especially in a lively or chatty way. The term is informal and often carries a mildly teasing or affectionate implication.
- A person who is habitually talkative or fond of chatting.
- A person regarded with mild amusement or teasing because of their talkativeness.
"Her uncle is a real nattery, always ready with a story or a joke."
"The children gathered around the nattery, who seemed to know a story about everyone."
"Her aunt is an entertaining nattery and can keep a party going for hours."
The usual plural is “natteries.”
"The office is full of natteries, to the delight of its conversational staff."
One chatty person can make an entire room sound busy: that is the social force behind the word nattery.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How nattery is actually used
This is an informal word, especially associated with British English. It is usually affectionate or gently teasing rather than severely insulting, though its tone can become disparaging in a hostile context.
Easily confused with nattery
A natter is the act of talking informally, while a nattery is the person who does the talking.
Nattery means a talkative person, whereas natty means neatly or fashionably dressed.