smatter

[ smat-er ]

verb (used with object)

1. to speak (a language, words, etc.) with superficial knowledge or understanding.
2. to dabble in.

noun

1. a slight or superficial knowledge; smattering:

   She gets by with only a smatter of musical knowledge.

2. a small amount or number; smattering:

   a smatter of applause; smatters of nervous laughter.

smatter

/ ˈsmætə /

noun

1. a smattering

verb

1. rare.
   intr to prattle
2. archaic.
   tr to dabble in

Derived Forms

• ˈsmatterer, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of smatter¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of smatter¹

C14 (in the sense: to prattle): of uncertain origin; compare Middle High German smetern to gossip

Example Sentences

These would repeat the same foreign words or phrases; "to smatter French" being "meritorious."

From Project Gutenberg

Her only education was the continual smatter which comes from many cities superficially glided.

From Project Gutenberg

Mrs. Smatter had raised her suspicions about the adulteration of all the food on the table.

From Project Gutenberg

And again, not only is Polynesian easy to smatter, but interpreters abound.

From Project Gutenberg

It blew and stormed and stormed, and the thin, nasal voice of "Rev. Smatter" was utterly lost in the wind.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• several
• some