smatter
Americanverb (used with object)
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to speak (a language, words, etc.) with superficial knowledge or understanding.
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to dabble in.
noun
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a slight or superficial knowledge; smattering.
She gets by with only a smatter of musical knowledge.
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a small amount or number; smattering.
a smatter of applause; smatters of nervous laughter.
noun
verb
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rare (intr) to prattle
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archaic (tr) to dabble in
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of smatter
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English; further origin uncertain; perhaps from Scandinavian; Danish, Norwegian smadre “to splash, smash (to pieces),” Swedish smattra “to clatter, rattle” ( Middle Low German smetern “to chatter”), but the semantic development is unclear
Explanation
When you chat at length about something without really knowing much about it, you smatter. If you smatter about sea creatures, it would be wise not to do it in front of a marine biologist. You're probably more familiar with the word smattering, which describes a little bit of something. The verb smatter is much less common, even nearly obsolete. In addition to "talk foolishly about something," it can also mean "dabble in or play around with," the way you might smatter in playing the guitar, not taking it very seriously. Smatter comes from Scots dialect, and is still commonly used in Scotland.
Vocabulary lists containing smatter
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Smatter, smat′ėr, v.i. to talk superficially: to have a superficial knowledge.—ns.
From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various
"Smatter, Bo?" asked Swanson, quickly observing that something was wrong.
From Jimmy Kirkland and the Plot for a Pennant by Fullerton, Hugh S.
Hermes, god of cheats and chatter, Wave thy smooth caduceus here— Now that, pulpit-propp'd, I flatter; Hermes, god of cheats and chatter, Smile, oh smile on Mr. Smatter, Aid an humble Auctioneer!
From The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction Volume 13, No. 365, April 11, 1829 by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
