Chat vs. chatter - is there a difference?

Chat and chatter are synonymous, no doubt about that.
So is there a difference between them? And when is the 'right' way to use them?

Let's start with

Chat

In verb form, the word can be defined as an engagement in informal conversation.

For example:        I like to chat with friends.

Or                         She chatted with friends.

It can also mean: to talk more than a few words/ to discuss.

Such as:                We chatted about politics.

However the final meaning is used in reference to online/mobile communication: messages sent in real time via a computer or mobile network.

Eg.                        Shall we chat on Facebook?

'Chat' can also be used as noun: talk/informal conversation.

For example:       Tom liked a chat about old times..

This derives from a series of terms, including:

• backchat
• chatroom
• chat up

Chat as a noun can also mean:

- A conversation to settle an argument.

Or

- A exchange of synchronous text/voice messages, shared through a computer network.

Chatter

Generally 'chatter' is used more often as a noun, and holds several different meanings:

1. essentially meaningless/trivial talk about unimportant topics.
2. describes the sound of talking - due to the sound made by magpies.
3. an intermittent noise, caused by vibration - "The brakes chattered" or "Her teeth chattered because she was shivering."
4. used in national security, about the degree of communication between suspect groups/individuals, to gauge terror threat - "increased chatter between terror groups"

In verb form, 'chatter' is used similarly to 'chat':
Meaning,
To talk idly
To describe machinery/teeth movements
To describe indistinct sounds that resemble language - magpie chatters.

So is there a difference?

Commonly, it is suggested that chatter is an informal/colloquial term which has the same meaning as chat. It is likely that the word 'chatter' was coined as a combination of the words: chat and natter.

Natter is an informal, slang word used to describe a casual style of talking, specifically talking about subjects of little/no major importance.

Several comedians have joked about the slang term 'chit-chat' in their sketches. This term is slang, meaning inconsequential conversation about trivial matters.

But does it make sense that you can have a chat without chit, but you can't just have a 'chit'?

Interested in the importance of relevant content? Read more.