chitchatting
Having light conversation
Chitchatting is engaging in light, casual conversation—small talk about nothing consequential.
The word captures the back-and-forth rhythm of such exchanges: They stood chitchatting by the coffee machine.
It can imply wasting time when something more productive should be happening: Stop chitchatting and get back to work.
Talking at length casually
- natteringAimless, trivial chatter
- prattleTrivial, prolonged speech
- blatherFoolish, pointless chatter
- babbleIncoherent speech
yak · rambling · idle · schmooze · chinwag · jabber · shooting the breeze · passing time
Unconfirmed circulating story
- whisperSpeech without full voice
- hearsayUnverified secondhand information
- scandalDisgraceful public affair
- tittle-tattleTrivial, idle chatter
backbiting · innuendo · secrets · buzz · tea · spilling · dirt · scoop
Quick, clever conversation
- jokingSaying things in fun
- teasingPlayful, mild ridicule
- quipsBrief witty remarks
- playfulnessLighthearted, frisky spirit
ribbing · witticism · jesting · wordplay · puns · humor · sarcasm · jocularity
Casual social interaction
- networkingBuilding professional relationships
- icebreakerTension-easing social activity
- partyGathering for celebration
- gatheringCollection of people meeting
reception · meetup · bonding · rapport · camaraderie · friendly · companionship · interaction
gabbing
Talking at length casually
babble · yak · rambling · idle · schmooze · chinwag · jabber · shooting the breeze · passing time · watercooler
rumor
Unconfirmed circulating story
- whisperSpeech without full voice
- hearsayUnverified secondhand information
- scandalDisgraceful public affair
tittle-tattle · backbiting · innuendo · secrets · buzz · tea · spilling · dirt · scoop · tales
repartee
Quick, clever conversation
playfulness · ribbing · witticism · jesting · wordplay · puns · humor · sarcasm · jocularity · drollery
mingling
Casual social interaction
- networkingBuilding professional relationships
- icebreakerTension-easing social activity
- partyGathering for celebration
gathering · reception · meetup · bonding · rapport · camaraderie · friendly · companionship · interaction · engagement
chitchattingdebating
Formal argumentative discourse
deliberating · negotiating · conferring · arguing · disputing
chitchattingbeing silent
Not producing sound
keeping quiet · saying nothing · clamming up · listening · stonewalling
chitchattingworking
In active function
getting down to business · focusing · accomplishing · producing · laboring
chat, chatty, chatting, chitchat, chatterbox, chattered, chatroom, chatterer, chatterboxes