Definition of chatty

The word "chatty" has its origins in the 17th century, derived from the Old English word "chatten," which means "to talk casually" or "to chatter." The term initially referred to the sound of birds or small animals making soft, gentle noises, such as the chattering of a magpie or the chattering of teeth. Over time, the connotation of the word shifted to describe humans who spoke excessively or idly, often about trivial matters. In the 18th century, the term "chatty" emerged as an adjective to describe someone who was talkative, garrulous, or loquacious. Today, being "chatty" is often viewed as a positive trait, implying a person is friendly, outgoing, and sociable. However, in some contexts, excessive chattiness can be seen as annoying or tired. Either way, the word "chatty" has evolved to capture the nuances of human communication and social interaction.