Definition of mutter

The German word "muttern" originally meant to speak softly or in a low voice, as mothers often did while feeding or soothing their babies. It comes from the Old High German word "mottara," which meant to murmur or speak in a low voice. The Old English word "mytren," which also meant to mumble or whisper, is thought to have influenced the development of the German word. In Middle English, the word "murdern" was used in the sense of whispering or murmuring, and it is also related to the Old English word "mytren" as well as the Old Norse word "myrgnasi," which meant frightful or threatening. Over time, "muttern" and its cognates in other Germanic languages (such as the Dutch word "nermen" or the Old Norse word "myrtha") have taken on a variety of meanings, including to complain, grumble, or idlely chatter. The origins of these meanings likely reflect the ways that people spoke and interacted with their surroundings in different historical and cultural contexts. For example, in Old High German, "mottaren" could also mean to mumble or murmur in secret or while engaged in other tasks, which could be interpreted as an early sign of agitation or discontent. In Middle English, "murdern" could imply both speaking softly and keeping the meaning of one's words hidden or obscure, which could have significant social or political implications in contexts of secrecy or conspiracy. Today, the modern German word "muttern" generally refers to speaking to oneself in a low voice, often as a result of distraction or preoccupation. Its connection to the history of the German language and its roots in Old High German serve as a fascinating reminder of the ways that words and their meanings can evolve over time, shaped by the experiences and perspectives of the people who use them.