What does yakker mean?
Yakker is an informal English verb meaning “to talk at length,” especially in a sustained, repetitive way that may sound monotonous or mildly tiresome. It is often used when someone continues speaking despite an obvious opportunity to stop: “Stop yakking and answer the question.” In a more neutral context, it can simply suggest lively or extended conversation rather than deliberate provocation. The word is chiefly associated with British English, although it is understood and occasionally used in American English as well. Its tone is colloquial and sometimes gently disparaging, so it is generally unsuitable for formal writing. Yakker is related etymologically to the older English form yatter and is commonly traced to Dutch jagen, “to chatter.” Its value as a verb is that it captures not merely speaking but the quality of continuing at length, often without a clear purpose.
verbTo talk at length, especially in a sustained, repetitive, or mildly tiresome manner.
- To talk continuously or at length, often in a monotonous or tiresome way.
"He kept yakking on about his holiday long after everyone else had lost interest."
"We yakked about the old days until the train arrived."
"Stop yakking over the schedule and decide what we are doing."
Yakker is the verbal equivalent of someone saying, “Yes, but...” and then not stopping.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does yakker come from?
Yakker is an early nineteenth-century English word commonly traced to Dutch jagen, historically meaning “to chatter” or “babble.” It developed alongside or from the same source as the older English form yatter and settled into English as a verb for talking at length. Its appearance reflects the close commercial and linguistic contact between England and the Netherlands during this period.
How yakker is actually used
Informal and chiefly British. It may be mildly disparaging because it suggests persistent, uninterrupted, or uninteresting talk, although it can also be used playfully to describe an animated conversation.
Easily confused with yakker
Yakker and yatter are closely related words with similar meanings, but yakker is now the more common and generally more clearly informal form.