Literary notes about blather (AI summary)
The term “blather” in literature is multifaceted—often used to denote idle, foolish, or overly verbose talk that lacks substance, yet it can also convey a sense of humorous banter. Authors employ the word both as a noun and a verb, as when it is defined as vulgar, boastful chatter [1] or when characters are urged to “skip all that blather” in favor of speaking meaningfully [2]. At times, “blather” is used to dismiss arguments or criticisms as mere empty noise, as in the critique of “nonsense... blather” that distracts from important issues [3], while in other contexts it might indicate a convivial, if somewhat brash, style of communication [4]. Additionally, the word lends itself to irony when adopted as a character surname, subtly suggesting that the person embodies some of the traits of nonsensical prattling [5][6].
- Blather, bladdher; a person who utters vulgarly foolish boastful talk: used also as a verb—to blather.
— from English As We Speak It in Ireland by P. W. (Patrick Weston) Joyce - "Say! couldn't you skip all that blather, an' tell us what happened next?
— from Treasure Valley by Mary Esther Miller MacGregor - Why was a war nothing but blather and blowup and bother?
— from The Big Engine by Fritz Leiber - 6. Also used to describe a less negative form of blather, such as friendly bullshitting.
— from The Jargon File, Version 2.9.10, 01 Jul 1992 - “Have you quite made up your mind, papa,” said Mrs. Blather at length, “not to let Clytie go to the Slade School in London?”
— from At the Gate of Samaria by William John Locke - Mrs. Blather was anxious that Clytie and her husband should come to Durdleham to stay there after the season in town was over.
— from At the Gate of Samaria by William John Locke
